The Americas: The Amazon Watch Kit
Where the world’s largest rainforest fosters a spectacular diversity of life.
The Amazon covers 40 percent of South America and spans nine countries. Its lifeblood is a mighty river longer than the journey from New York to London. The Amazon rainforest receives a staggering thirty-five feet of rainfall every year. In this moist tropical climate, almost 400 billion trees covering an area 15 times the size of California creates their own clouds and rain. This diverse rainforest sets the stage for a cast of wildlife characters whose lives get curiouser and curiouser from giant birds to river monsters and miniature armies.
Where in The Americas is The Amazon?
What do you think you know about the Amazon region? Did you know the Amazon rainforest is home to a tenth of all known species on Earth. Of those, most are insects.
Before you watch The Americas: The Amazon have fun exploring and discussing the following questions with each other:
- Find where you live on a map?
- How far is the Amazon region from where you live?
- Have you visited South America? If yes, where did you go?
- If you could explore the Amazon what wildlife (animals) would you hope to see?
- Why is it important to care about the largest rainforest?
As you watch The Americas: The Amazon, think about the following:
After watching, answer the following questions:
Test Your Fun Animal Knowledge
Reading with Ranger Rick®
NWF Connections: Learn more about “The Amazon” and wildlife featured in The Americas
Take Action
Notes for Educators
Where in The Americas is The Amazon? can easily be adapted for any classroom.
Accept The Americas Green HourTM School Challenge and apply for a grant to jumpstart your project today. Your school or youth program could be awarded a grant from $500 to $10,000.
Watch The Americas Sunday at 8/7 c on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock.
