Students must first choose the type of tropical habitat for the science project. People often choose to study rain forests when assigned a tropical habitat project because of the great diversity they provide. However, a tropical habitat can also include deciduous forests, savannas, swamps and jungles. Tropical habitats are located in areas of the world called "the tropics." This is the part of the globe between the two imaginary lines known as the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Another key component of the tropics, whether a hot jungle or cooler mountain environment, is a temperature that remains relatively constant year round.
Students next decide on a presentation format for the tropical habitat project. This choice probably depends on several factors, including the teacher's requirements, student age and the level of creativity that the student wants to put into the project. Presentation choices might include a computer slide show, trifold project board, poster, diorama, travel brochure or fictional travel journal. Students should consider what parts the presentation will include, then gather research information. Younger students might have been given this information during class activities, while older students would research independently. Students should consider the type and number of illustrations or graphic components as well as planning text placement.
Information about the habitat's physical characteristics must be gathered. Tropical habitats vary greatly from tangled jungles to towering rain forests or waterlogged swamps. Animal life in tropical habitats varies greatly as well, with tropical rain forests having the greatest variety of both plant and animal life. Students must plan how to depict the vegetation and animal life to best portray the tropical habitat visually. Clay models or toys might be used in a diorama. Photos can be used in brochures, posters and other paper-based products. Text labels and descriptions about the plant and animal life must accompany the visual items in the project to further demonstrate knowledge of the tropical habitat.
Along with describing the habitat, students should also include important information related to benefits of and concerns about the tropical habitat. Though tropical habitats cover less than 10 percent of the world, they contribute significantly to scientific, environmental and economic endeavors worldwide. Many medicinal plants used in science and medical research originate in the tropics. Wood from tropical habitats contributes economic support to many countries. Environmentally, the tropical forests influence weather patterns through transpiration and contribute to the world's air supply. Concerns include continued destruction of tropical habitats as people develop them for commercial and residential ventures.