Layers of the Rainforest

Layers of the Rainforest

Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the four main layers of a rainforest

What do you already know about the layers of the rainforest?

The Structure of the Rainforest

Composed of four distinct layers

Characteristics of Each Rainforest Layer

Emergent layer with tallest trees and some birds and insects; Canopy layer, the densest and hosts the majority of plant and animal life; Understory layer with young plants, shrubs, and bushes; Forest floor dark, humid, and home to insects and large animals

Flora and Fauna Within the Rainforest Layers

Different types of flora and fauna inhabit each layer

Emergent Layer

Topmost layer with tallest trees, birds, and insects

Canopy Layer

Densest layer containing most of the rainforest's flora and fauna

Understory Layer

Layer beneath the canopy with young plants and shrubs

Forest Floor

Bottommost layer known for its darkness, humidity, and the large animals and insects that inhabit it

Recap

Review of the main topics and takeaways

Definition List

Emergent Layer: The topmost layer of the rainforest with the tallest trees, some birds, and insects
Canopy Layer: The densest layer of the rainforest that contains most of the rainforest's flora and fauna
Understory Layer: A layer of the rainforest beneath the canopy filled with young plants and shrubs
Forest Floor: The bottommost layer of the rainforest, known for its darkness, humidity, and the large animals and insects that inhabit it

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.