Canopy Code
Amazon Rainforest Geography Adventure
Something deep beneath the rainforest canopy is no longer stable.
Sensors across South America are detecting unusual changes in rainfall, river flow, and forest structure. Ari Raider has traced the disturbance to a hidden research vault buried within the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.
In Canopy Code, students explore where the Amazon Rainforest is located, how its climate and layered structure support life, and why rivers and conservation are critical to the region. As explorers move through canopy platforms, forest layers, and river systems, they must use real geography knowledge to restore balance and unlock the Mystery Mine where the Professor hid a specimen.
Can you protect the world’s largest rainforest and uncover what’s been hidden beneath the canopy?
Your rainforest mission begins now.
Canopy Code: Amazon Rainforest Geography Adventure
A story driven geography adventure where students explore Earth’s largest rainforest, investigate climate, ecosystems, and human impact, and restore balance beneath the canopy.
Adventure Overview
Setting: The Rainforest Research Vault
Story Hook: Ari Raider detects environmental instability spreading across the Amazon Rainforest.
Student Mission: Explore rainforest zones, answer geography questions, and unlock the Mystery Mine.
Mission Objective: Discover. Identify. Collect.
Grade Levels: 3–5
Time: 30–60 minutes
Lesson Plan
Objective: Students will explain how location, climate, rivers, and ecosystems make the Amazon Rainforest unique.
- Engage: Introduce the Amazon as the largest tropical rainforest on Earth.
- Explore: Students progress through rainforest zones by answering questions.
- Explain: Review climate, layers, food webs, and conservation.
- Extend: Use discussion or mapping activities.
- Evaluate: Use the Knowledge Check or a written response.
Teaching Guide
- Use as a whole-class guided adventure or independent exploration.
- Pause after each section to connect geography concepts to ecosystems.
- Emphasize how climate supports biodiversity.
- Discuss cause-and-effect between human actions and environments.
- Optional: Students keep a “Rainforest Field Log.”
Vocabulary
- Rainforest: A forest with heavy rainfall and dense plant growth.
- Canopy: The leafy roof formed by treetops.
- Emergent layer: The highest layer with the tallest trees.
- Understory: The layer beneath the canopy.
- Biodiversity: The variety of living things in an area.
- Deforestation: The removal of forest land.
Knowledge Check: Questions & Answers
Location and Climate
-
Q: Where is the Amazon Rainforest located?
A: South America -
Q: What best describes the Amazon’s climate?
A: Hot and wet year round -
Q: Why does frequent rainfall support dense plant growth?
A: Plants receive constant moisture
Rainforest Layers and Life
-
Q: Which layer contains the tallest trees?
A: The emergent layer -
Q: Why do many rainforest plants have drip tips?
A: To allow water to run off leaves -
Q: Why is the Amazon Rainforest so biodiverse?
A: Many species live in different layers
Rivers, People, and Conservation
-
Q: What role does the Amazon River play?
A: It provides water, nutrients, and habitats -
Q: How have Indigenous peoples traditionally used the rainforest?
A: Sustainably for thousands of years -
Q: Why is conservation important in the Amazon Rainforest?
A: To protect biodiversity and help regulate climate
Discussion Questions
- Why is the Amazon Rainforest important to the world?
- How do rainforest layers support different life forms?
- What happens when forests are removed?
- Why should Indigenous knowledge be respected?
- How can people help protect rainforests?
Classroom Transformation Ideas
- Create layered rainforest zones around the classroom.
- Use green paper or fabric to simulate the canopy.
- Play rainforest ambience during the adventure.
- Assign roles like “Canopy Observer” or “River Tracker.”
- Post a South America map highlighting the Amazon.
DIY Excavation Activity
No-mess option:
- Hide a small object or “species card” in a paper cup.
- Cover lightly with shredded paper.
- Students excavate carefully and record observations.
Extension: Students build a simple rainforest food web.
Standards Alignment
- Describe how climate affects ecosystems.
- Explain how energy flows through food webs.
- Recognize human impact on environments.
- Use evidence to explain Earth systems.
Free Printable Trading Cards
Download free printable trading cards that match Canopy Code. Each card reinforces Amazon Rainforest geography concepts used in the adventure.