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Extension Menu for
Grade 7 Science: The Rainforest
Directions: (To be added by teacher)
1. Research the factors that cause
the destruction of the rainforest.
Write a speech or an essay
(minimum 5 paragraphs) to persuade
your classmates that rainforests are
important to all living things and
should be protected. Your speech or
essay should include an interesting
introduction, at least 3 body
paragraphs, and a compelling
conclusion. Proofread to be sure
that all writing is clear, well edited,
and error-free.
4. Compose a children’s story about
a walk through the rainforest. Use
sensory details to describe sights,
smells, sounds, tastes, and tactile
experiences of the rainforest.
Describe the specific animals,
plants, peoples, and climate that one
would encounter during the walk.
Conclude the story with an
explanation of the interdependence
between the rainforest and the rest of
the world, changes occurring in the
rainforest due to human intervention
and the possible long-term effects of
this intervention.
7. Write an original poem
(minimum 4 stanzas) about the rich
beauty of the tropical rainforest.
Describe each layer of the rainforest
in detail (emergent, canopy,
understory, and forest floor), how the
layers function together, and the
adaptations of plants and animals to
each layer. Proofread to be sure that
all writing is clear, well edited, and
error-free.
2. Explore the ecological impact of
logging on the rainforest. Compose
a business letter (minimum 5
paragraphs) to the president of a
corporation responsible for
destructive logging in the rainforest
to persuade him or her to switch to
sustainable forms of logging or
alternative fibers. Organize the letter
to include a heading, inside address,
greeting, body, complimentary
closing, and signature. Proofread to
be sure that all writing is clear, well
edited, and error-free.
5. Imagine that you are a member of
the Rainforest Explorers Television
Network. Develop a script or a
storyboard for a 3-minute Public
Service Announcement (mock
television commercial) to persuade
teens to help save the rainforest. Use
clear, vivid language to compose a
creative slogan (Example: Root for
the rainforest!), incorporate statistics,
and request that the viewer take at
least one specific action to save the
rainforest. Share your PSA with the
class (live or on video).
8. Write your idea here.
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Teacher Initials for Approval: ______
3. Investigate eco-tourism
(tourism involving travel areas of
natural or ecological interest,
typically under the guidance of a
naturalist, for the purpose of
observing wildlife and learning
about the environment). Create a
visual (poster, PowerPoint, graphic
organizer, chart, etc.) showing the
helpful and harmful effects of ecotourism in the rainforest. Be sure to
consider the impact of eco-tourism
on the land, animals, plants, and
native peoples of the rainforest.
6. Design a colorful, illustrated
brochure to inform readers about
the rainforest. Organize the
brochure to include
 a definition of the
rainforest,
 the locations of various
rainforests and why they
are important,
 the importance of plants in
the rainforest,
 causes and effects of
deforestation, and
 what readers can do to save
the rainforest.
9. Research foods containing
ingredients originally discovered in
the rainforest. Locate several
recipes using foods sustainably
harvested (gathered without
endangering the forest or food
supply) from the rainforest.
Assemble a cookbook with at least
6 recipes. The cookbook must be
typed or neatly handwritten in blue
or black ink. Prepare samples to
share with the class. Explain how
this food reflects positive,
rainforest-friendly choices.
Science/Environmental Science/Grade 7
Teacher Resource Page
Grade 7 Science Extension Menu
Concept and/or Topic: Environmental Science (Rainforests)
Intended Purpose: Anchor activity, culminating activity, or follow up activity after a lesson
Standard(s) and Indicators Addressed:
Boxes 1-9
SC.700.60 Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the interactions of
environmental factors (living and nonliving) and analyze their impact from a local to a global
perspective.
A. Natural Resources and Human Needs
1. Recognize and compare how different parts of the world have varying amounts and types of natural
resources and how the use of those resources impacts environmental quality.
2. Recognize and explain the impact of a changing human population on the use of natural resources and
on environmental quality.
B. Environmental Issues
1. Recognize and explain that human-caused changes have consequences for Maryland’s environment as
well as for other places and future times.
2. Recognize and describe that environmental changes can have local, regional, and global consequences.
3. Recognize and explain how human activities can accelerate or magnify many naturally occurring
changes.
Organizational Tips:

Provide student access to the school media center, the Internet, textbooks, and/or subscription
databases (SIRS, Student Resource Center, etc.)

Provide access to supplies such as rulers, colored pencils, markers, paper, etc. for construction of
maps, graphic organizers, etc.

Provide access to the following resources as students create final products:
o Software (Publisher, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)
o Art supplies (poster board, colored pencils, magazines, rulers, etc.)
Science/Environmental Science/Grade 7