An overview of the plants and animals within a tropical habitat gives students a better understanding of the complex web that supports life within the ecosystem. Research the flora, fauna and wildlife that lives in the tropical habitat you have chosen. Diagram the food web and illustrate key predator-prey relationships. Write summaries of the characteristics of a representative sample of trees, flowers, bushes, grasses and animals that populate the region. Include pictures that show life in the tropical region. Create graphs and charts of climate patterns. Describe the human threats to the habitat and what can be done to protect it. Compile all the information into a poster, brochure, pamphlet or digital slideshow presentation.
The water cycle within a tropical rainforest keeps the atmosphere laden with the moisture necessary to support the diverse array of flora and fauna and the creatures that depend on them for life. Line the bottom of a fish tank with a thick layer of soil and sand. Plant ferns, miniature begonias and orchids, African violets or epiphytes. Consider placing tiny dart frogs, tree frogs or lizards in the rainforest terrarium. Thoroughly soak the ground with water and seal the tank with plastic wrap. Place the tank in a warm location or put it under a heat lamp to watch the cycle of evaporation, condensation and precipitation observe the growth and health of the plants and animals.
Plants that grow in the tropical zone provide a high percentage of the world's food and medicine, as well as raw materials for many everyday products. Create a picture dictionary of the plants found in tropical habitats and the products derived from each.
Human activity and the over-harvesting of tropical resources depletes the supply of important foods and medicines for the future and destroys natural habitats. Research the specific issues that are threatening your area of study and the environmental agencies that are working to protect it. Create an educational pamphlet or brochure to highlight habits that people can change to protect the tropical habitats of the world, as well as specific ways they can work with conservation experts to reverse the existing damage. Hold a fundraiser and donate the money to one or more of the organizations working to alleviate the threats to tropical habitats.