Year 8 recently spent the day experiencing the wonders of tropical rainforests. Dave Shaw, an entomologist and experienced rainforest traveller, returned to Monmouth School for Girls to introduce this amazing ecosystem to our Year 8 Geographers. This term, Year 8 have been studying the country of Brazil and their attention now turns to the Amazon Rainforest, and issues facing rainforests around the world.
The day started with a whole group presentation on the importance of rainforests and their indigenous communities. Dave, with the aid of his extensive photograph library and tribal artifacts, discussed the amazing biodiversity of these forests and the lives of people who call them home. Issues of deforestation, cattle ranching, mining, mega dams, and the production of soya and palm oil, were discussed. Pupils were also made aware of prominent South American women campaigners (e.g. Sônia Guajajara and Célia Xakriabá) and their work to reduce deforestation of the Amazon and protect tribal people and culture.
The remainder of the day was divided into class workshops where pupils explored rainforest products and tribal artifacts, and were able to handle some exotic fauna, namely a New Guinea ‘Tree Lobster’ Stick Insect, Giant Leaf Insects, a Giant Millipede, and a ‘friendly’ Mexican Red-Legged Tarantula! They were braver than Mr Meek! Pupils were also able to ‘taste’ the rainforest through a durian fruit. The pungent odour, reminiscent of sulphur, garlic and onion is not for the faint-hearted, however the sweet flavour was enjoyed by many pupils, and is also a big favourite of Orangutangs!
Pupils were encouraged to research more about the many threats facing rainforests and their indigenous tribes, through organisations such as Rainforest Concern and Survival International. Follow up work will take place in Geography lessons, focusing on the importance of rainforests as a carbon sink, impacts of mega dams and soya bean and palm oil cultivation.
“Great fun was had by all, an entertaining and fun way to learn about one of the world’s most important ecosystems.” – Mr N Meek, Head of MG Geography
