The Amazon Rainforest: The Lungs of the Earth

1.Warm up questions:

a. Have you ever heard of the Amazon Rainforest? What do you know about it?

b. Why do you think rainforests are important for the world?

2. Vocabulary:

1. Rainforest: A dense forest with high rainfall, usually found in tropical areas.

2. Biodiverse: Having a wide variety of plant and animal life.

3. Deforestation: The removal of trees from an area, often to make space for farming or development.

4. Indigenous: People or groups that are native to a particular place.

5. Conservation: The protection of nature and the environment.

3. Read the text and find the words from vocabulary:

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. It is located in South America and covers nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. The rainforest is called "the lungs of the Earth" because it produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen. It is home to millions of plants, animals, and indigenous people who depend on it for survival.

The Importance of the Amazon

The Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It has thousands of species of trees, flowers, insects, birds, and mammals. Some animals, like jaguars, sloths, and pink river dolphins, can only be found in the Amazon. The rainforest also plays a vital role in controlling the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes to global warming.

In addition to its environmental importance, the Amazon is a source of food, medicine, and raw materials. Many modern medicines, like aspirin, were discovered from plants found in the rainforest. Indigenous tribes who live there use its resources sustainably, meaning they take what they need without harming the environment.

Threats to the Amazon

Unfortunately, the Amazon faces many threats, such as deforestation, illegal logging, and climate change. Deforestation happens when people cut down trees to create farms, build roads, or extract natural resources like oil and gold. This destroys habitats for animals and plants and harms the indigenous people who live there. Scientists warn that if we do not protect the Amazon, it could disappear in the future.

Protecting the Amazon

People around the world are working to save the Amazon Rainforest. Conservation groups are planting trees, protecting wildlife, and helping local communities. Governments are creating national parks and passing laws to stop deforestation. You can help, too, by learning about the Amazon and supporting organizations that work to protect it.

Activities:

A. Think About This

1. Why is the Amazon Rainforest called "the lungs of the Earth"?

2. How can individuals help protect the Amazon and other rainforests?

B. Comprehension Questions

1. Where is the Amazon Rainforest located?
a) Africa
b) Asia
c) South America

2. What percentage of the world’s oxygen does the Amazon produce?
a) 10%
b) 20%
c) 30%

3. What kind of animals live in the Amazon?
(Write one example from the text.)

4. What is deforestation?
a) Protecting forests
b) Cutting down trees
c) Planting trees

5. Why is the Amazon important for the climate?
(Write one reason from the text.)

C. Match the Words to Their Meanings

a) Rainforest
b) Biodiverse
c) Deforestation
d) Indigenous
e) Conservation

1. Having a variety of plants and animals

2. A forest with high rainfall

3. People native to a specific place

4. Protecting nature and the environment

5. Cutting down trees

D. True or False

• The Amazon Rainforest covers nine countries.

• Jaguars and sloths are common animals found worldwide.

• Deforestation helps the Amazon by increasing space for farming.

E. Speak About It

• Imagine you are visiting the Amazon Rainforest. What would you like to see or explore, and why?

• Why do you think protecting rainforests like the Amazon is important for future generations?

F. Research Activity

Choose another major rainforest, such as the Congo Rainforest or the Daintree Rainforest. Find out where it is located and how it is similar or different from the Amazon. Share your findings with the class or in writing.