In this experience, students are introduced to the physical geography of Brazil. They learn about four landscape types in the country. Then they focus on what the Amazon rainforest is, why it's important, how it is threatened, and what possible solutions are. Finally, students research and explain the threats to the coastlines and beaches of Brazil.
Students are introduced to Brazil’s diverse physical geography and read a brief overview of the country’s physical features, natural resources, and environmental threats. They examine images of four Brazilian landscapes and complete a drag-and-drop activity to label each landscape type. Then they post to a class wall, inferring what the four landscapes suggest about Brazil as a whole.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, highlighting that students will study Brazil’s landscapes, the Amazon rainforest, and environmental issues. Guide students through the image-based landscape labeling, then facilitate a brief discussion of their wall responses. Support the class in generating working definitions for rainforest, savanna, wetlands, and coastlines, and explain that they will explore these biomes in more depth in the next scene.
Students view images of Brazil’s coastline and use the interactive map Brazil Biomes to explore the locations and characteristics of the Amazon Rainforest, the savanna (Cerrado), the wetlands (Pantanal), and Brazil’s coastlines. They take notes in a graphic organizer about each biome. Students then read the Fast Facts, Geography, and Nature sections of Brazil Overview to add details about Brazil’s physical features, climate, and population patterns to their organizer. Finally, they answer multiple-choice questions about the extent of the Amazon rainforest, where most Brazilians live, and what they might encounter in the rainforest.
Teacher MovesDirect students’ attention to the coastal images and the biomes map, prompting them to connect visual evidence to the four landscape types introduced earlier. Monitor and support students as they complete the graphic organizer, encouraging them to integrate information from the map and the reading. Clarify key terms and concepts as needed, and review student responses to the multiple-choice questions to check understanding of rainforest coverage, settlement patterns, and rainforest characteristics.
Students watch the video Which came first - the rain or the rainforest? to learn how the Amazon rainforest functions, including its climate, water cycle, and ecological importance. They then post to a wall, describing features of a rainforest and explaining why it is important. After examining a satellite image showing deforestation in the Amazon, students read Rainforest Threats and watch Using drones to tackle deforestation to investigate major threats to the rainforest and emerging solutions, using a dictionary to clarify unfamiliar terms. They synthesize their learning by writing a paragraph on a shared wall explaining why the Amazon rainforest is important, identifying three major threats, and proposing possible solutions, with the option to conduct additional research.
Teacher MovesAfter the video, prompt students to articulate key rainforest features and their significance, using the wall responses to surface and correct misconceptions. Draw attention to the satellite image to illustrate the scale and pattern of deforestation. Support students as they engage with the article and video on rainforest threats, helping them unpack complex vocabulary and concepts. Guide students in crafting their explanatory paragraphs, prompting them to include both threats and realistic solutions. If time allows, invite interested students to extend their research using WWF: Amazon and facilitate a brief discussion connecting human activity, environmental impact, and conservation strategies.
Students read an explanation of environmental problems along Brazil’s coastline, including water pollution from untreated sewage, plastic pollution from coastal communities, and oil spills that damage marine ecosystems and beaches. They view images in Brazil environment: Clean-up on beaches affected by oil spill to see the impacts of oil contamination. Students then write a letter to a peer who is unfamiliar with these issues, describing the major problems along Brazil’s coastline and suggesting actions that could help protect and restore the beaches. After posting their letters to a class wall, they read classmates’ letters and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesHighlight the connections between coastal pollution and earlier learning about Brazil’s physical geography and human activity. Clarify the different types of pollution and their effects on people and ecosystems. Provide guidance on writing an informative and persuasive letter that clearly explains the problems and proposes feasible solutions. Allow time for students to read and respond to peers’ letters, and then facilitate a whole-class discussion to surface common themes, creative solutions, and students’ reflections on environmental responsibility.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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