What Is A Global Perspective?

“A perspective implies a point of view- a vantage point through which, or lens through which, observations occur and an object of attention- an event, thing, person, place or state of affairs that is the focus of observation. Thus an economic perspective (the point of view) would consider the financial costs and the benefits of a proposed action (the object) while an ethical perspective would look at the morality of the action. A global perspective refers to a point of view, or lens for viewing people, places and things around the world....the aim of developing a global perspective is to expand and enrich student’s perspectives so that their views of the world are not ethnocentric, stereotypical, or otherwise limited by a narrow or distorted point of view.”

Roland Case: The Canadian Anthology Of Social Studies, 1999

The following Study Quests are designed to provide a rich menu of rainforest- and climate change-related activities suitable for KS3 students. However, you don’t have to be in the UK or following the UK national curriculum to use them. They seek to empower students in order to take action and develop citizenship competencies.

In undertaking the Quests, students will expand their academic learning through activities that are engaging and require personal commitment.

These lesson ideas will help you achieve Eco-Schools awards in the UK. All lessons indicate that environmental issues have been covered in curriculum areas. Lesson 6 counts as a minor Eco-Schools project. Lessons 9 and 10 counts as a minor Eco-Schools project. Learn more...

11-14 Years Rainforest Quests:

1.  Global impacts of deforestation – drama production  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To produce a drama presentation lasting up to 30 minutes, which can be performed in local feeder primary schools.

2.  Local impacts of deforestation - puppet workshop and production  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To produce a 45-minute presentation, using puppetry designed and made by the students.

3.  The economic dilemma for all stakeholders – television-like debate  [view online] / [download as PDF] 
Objective: To produce a 15-minute Question Time-like debate, with a panel dealing with questions from the audience.

4.  In the interviewer’s chair - powerful questions for a rainforest expert  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To establish crucial or "powerful" questions to put before a rainforest expert.

5.  Rainforest magazine – a rainforest publication  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To raise the awareness and knowledge of a targeted younger age group about the value of rainforests.

6.  Rainforest biodiversity - a study and exhibition of work  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: A study of biodiversity that could create a exhibition for the school and beyond the school gate.

7.  Medicinal applications of rainforest plants – a poster  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To identify what the key elements of a poster are and how to put messages across effectively.

8.  Rainforest facts - a rainforest book for younger readers  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To produce a pocket fact book on the rainforest, suitable for Key Stage 2 children, aged 7-11 years and to demonstrate a strong factual knowledge gained from research into the rainforest and the ability to write for a chosen audience.

9.  A rainforest day - stage an event to promote rainforest awareness  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To organize a rainforest day to raise awareness of The Prince’s Rainforests Project and to achieve online sign-ups by adults and schools to support the Project.

10.  Food for thought – a food study  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: To demonstrate an understanding of food sources, the impact of food production on the rainforest, carbon footprints and alternative sourcing.  Also to visit to a local supermarket or store and research how rainforest products are used in products and whether it is easy for consumers to know what they are buying.

Eden Project:  Plants and People  [view online] / [download as PDF]
Objective: This activity demonstrates how vital the rainforest is as a resource base i.e. for products and materials, providing a habitat for rare living species, ‘ideas and knowledge’ and as a human habitat.

ActionAid: Climate Hero - Solomon's Story  [view online] / [download as pdf]
When Hurricane Noel hit Solomon's Haitian community in October 2007, his family lost everything. Use these lesson ideas to learn about deforestation and how some people are working to plant and protect trees.

WWF: The Madeira River: Life Before the Dams [view online]
Objective: Watch the film about the Madeira River (approx. 27minutes long) and begin a discussion with the class. There is a Q & A sheet available to download as an additional resource.