Year 8 were treated to a rainforest experience as part of their investigation of Brazil and tropical rainforests. Dave Shaw, from the Rainforest Roadshow, was invited into school and staged a whole day of fun and thought-provoking activities, including talks on issues facing rainforest tribes and workshops to enable pupils to gain a greater understanding of this fascinating and endangered ecosystem. The Geography Department is a firm supporter of learning activities which help to bring a topic ‘alive’ and the Rainforest Roadshow is an excellent way to introduce the Amazon Rainforest. Dave Shaw’s experiences, stories and tribal artefacts add that extra dimension which enables pupils to understand the lives of indigenous people.

After introducing pupils to tarantulas, scorpions, Preying Mantis and beetle grubs, Dave treated Year 8 to some tastes of tropical Rainforests. Sugar Cane and Cinnamon Bark proved very popular; however, the Durian Fruit had very mixed responses, possibly due to its smell which is reminiscent of rotting onions! On a more serious point Dave discussed current issues facing global rainforests, notably the impacts of Soya Bean and Palm Oil farming which is leading to significant amounts of deforestation. Dave also highlighted the Belo Monte Dam Project on the Xingu River, Located in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest. This controversial project would see the construction of the World’s third largest hydro-electric dam and the flooding of a total of 668 km² of which 400 km² is standing forest. The flooding will also force more than 20,000 indigenous people from their homes in the municipalities of Altamira and Vitoria do Xingu.

The Preying Mantis is a big hit
	Moon Moth - keep still	Conquering the Durian Fruit
Be brave – Tarantula!

“It was cool, like having the whole rainforest squished into one room.” Annabel

“So much fun! We got to stroke a Tarantula and hold a Praying Mantis. Overall such a great day!!” Maya

“A new experience and packed with humour. Some very interesting and beautiful creatures.” Rhiannon

“A great way to teach us about the rainforest and eat tribal foods (the fruit wasn’t too great!). A great day. Octavia

Useful Web Sites:

http://amazonwatch.org/work/belo-monte-dam

http://www.internationalrivers.org/node/5236

http://www.survivalinternational.org/about/belo-monte-dam