Geography KS2 & KS3: Expedition to Guyana - endangered animals in the rainforest

The Elizabethan explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was the first Englishman to explore the rainforests of Guyana.

Eight young British adventurers have come to Guyana in South America to follow in Raleigh's footsteps and to explore the spectacular unspoilt rainforest.

This is one of only a handful of rainforests left on the planet that has not been damaged or destroyed by humans.

Across the world, rainforests are being cut down every day and if this carries on, in just one hundred years there will be no rainforests left.

Rainforest creatures are in danger of becoming extinct.

The Serious Explorers have the chance to meet some of Guyana’s most endangered animals, the caiman and the harpy eagle, and visit some wildlife projects.

This clip is from the series Seriously Raleigh.

Teacher Notes

Prior to watching the clip, pupils can locate where rainforests are in the world.

Then after watching the clip, they could identify and investigate how humans are causing damage to rainforests and how this is affecting endangered species.

Children could write information leaflets highlighting the problems facing the endangered animals and the rainforest and what needs to be done to prevent further destruction.

They could suggest ways to improve the conditions for these animals.

Curriculum Notes

This clip is suitable for teaching Geography at KS2 and KS3 Level in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and at 2nd and 3rd Level in Scotland.

More from Seriously Raleigh:

The Serious Explorers must learn how to stay safe whilst retracing Raleigh's route to Guyana.

Expedition safety

The Serious Explorers have come to Mount Roraima to relive the legend of Raleigh.

Expedition to Guyana - exploring Mount Roraima

The Serious Explorers take a look at the rainforest in Guyana, a place that has hardly changed since Raleigh’s day.

Expedition to Guyana - life in the rainforest

Extraordinary and stunning views of the imposing and magnificent Mount Roraima. Aerial views capture the magnificence of the mountain.

Expedition to Guyana - Mount Roraima (no narration)

The Serious Explorers team are recreating Sir Walter Raleigh's ocean journey in search of El Dorado. They spend four days at sea learning about navigation tools.

Expedition to Guyana - navigating an ocean journey

The Serious Explorers have taken almost a year to plan an expedition to recreate his journey. We see their planning process.

Expedition to Guyana - planning an expedition

Views of the rivers running through the rainforest of Guyana and a glimpse into the ways in which the rivers support Guyana's rainforest communities.

Expedition to Guyana - rivers and waterfalls (no narration)

The Serious Explorers spend a night in the Guyana rainforest. The UK adventurers learn to make shelters and set animal traps.

Expedition to Guyana - spending a night in the rainforest

The explorers join in a traditional Makushi celebration and go hunting with the tribesmen, relying on their help.

Expedition to Guyana - the Makushi tribespeople

The Serious Explorers try using traditional canoes like the ones Raleigh’s team would have used over four hundred years ago.

Expedition to Guyana - transportation for local tribespeople