Y4 Geography - Amazon Rainforest

6 Lesson Overview

Lesson 1 – Where Is the Amazon Rainforest? (Geography Focus)
WALT: locate the Amazon Rainforest and identify the continent, countries and key physical features.
Overview:
Recap the seven continents.
Locate South America, Brazil, and the Amazon Basin.
Explore maps, climate zones and the equator.
Pupils label maps and complete a short fact‑finding task.
Outcome: Pupils can confidently locate the Amazon and describe its global position.

Lesson 2 – Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (Geography)
WALT: understand what the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are and why the Amazon lies between them.
Overview:
Introduce lines of latitude and the idea of imaginary lines on Earth.
Explore the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S).
Explain how the tropical zone creates the Amazon’s hot, wet climate.
Pupils label a world map and identify countries within the tropics.
Outcome: Pupils explain what the tropics are and how they affect the Amazon’s climate.

Lesson 3 – Layers of the Rainforest (Geography)
WALT: describe the four layers of the rainforest and the animals that live there.
Overview:
Introduce emergent, canopy, understory, forest floor.
Explore how animals adapt to each layer.
Pupils create a layer diagram or cross‑section.
Outcome: Pupils explain each layer and match animals to their habitats.

Lesson 4 – Why the Amazon Matters (Geography/Science)
WALT: understand why the Amazon is important to the planet.
Overview:
Explore biodiversity, oxygen production, medicines, water cycle, Indigenous communities.
Discuss why the rainforest is called the “lungs of the Earth.”
Pupils create an information poster or mini‑presentation.
Outcome: Pupils explain at least three reasons the Amazon is vital.

Lesson 5 – What Is Deforestation? (Geography/Human Impact)
WALT: identify what deforestation is and what causes it.
Overview:
Explore farming, cattle ranching, logging, mining, road building.
Look at before/after images and maps.
Pupils sort causes into categories (economic, environmental, social).
Outcome: Pupils can explain what deforestation is and why it happens.

Lesson 6 – Debate: Should Deforestation Be Allowed? (Speaking & Listening)
WALT: debate the advantages and disadvantages of deforestation.
Overview:
Introduce for/against arguments using debate cards.#
Group roles: Speaker, Note‑taker, Time‑keeper, Evidence Finder.
Structured debate with counter‑arguments and hot‑seat challenge.
Outcome: Pupils present arguments clearly and respond to opposing views.