Human Impact on the Cloud Forest

Grade Level: 6-8

Introduction: Students will investigate the diversity of resources present within the cloud forest and how humans could benefit from this rich ecosystem. A debate structure is provided, through which students will discuss the role that humans should play in utilizing the cloud forest ecosystem of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Evidence and support for the statements used during the debate will come from within the Canopy In The Clouds media.

Objectives: Students will be able to 1) investigate the value of the cloud forest ecosystem and the benefits it may provide to humans 2) determine the role that humans should have in this ecosystem 3) defend a position using evidence from the cloud forest.

National Science Standards: Interdependence of Organisms

Time: 60 minutes or more, depending on class size (5 minutes for intro, 5 minutes for debate directions and group assignments, 25 minutes for Cloud Forest Examination and debate preparation, 20+ minutes for debate [actual debate time will vary depending on the total number of groups required], 5 minutes for closing)