Person of the forest

Summary information

Resources needed:

Internet access to www.arkive.org, world maps

Procedure:

1. Briefly discuss the connection between bread, palm oil and orang-utans – the following link offers some useful information: www.wwf.org.uk/core/about/scotland/sc_0000001319.asp
Explain that the pupils are going to find out more about orang-utans.

2. Direct pupils to the movies on the www.arkive.org website and ask them to complete one or more of the following tasks:

• Compile a scientific report about orang-utans.
• Write a descriptive account of orang-utans. You might choose to focus on movement, nest building, care of young...
• Write a poem inspired by one or more of the orang-utan movies.
• Compile a piece of music to accompany one or more of the orang-utan movies.
• Create a piece of artwork inspired by one or more of the orang-utan movies.

3. As a whole class, invite pupils to share their work. Discuss: “Is the survival of other species being threatened by the same set of problems that face the orang-utans?” (You can find out more by selecting ‘Explore species related by… Habitat’ from the orang-utan ‘Species’ pages on the ARKive website.) Why do pupils think conservationists draw attention to the plight of the orang-utan rather than to that of animals such as the Ridley’s leaf-nosed bat or the long-beaked echidna? Should this happen?

Extension:

Explore the links between farming and the decline of species in the UK by using the ARKive website to find out about species such as the skylark, Natterjack toad and large garden bumblebee.
Or
Find out about attempts to safeguard the welfare of farm animals by clicking on the words ‘Freedom Food’ on the following website: www.rspca.org.uk

Evaluation:

Create a drawing or diagram that shows the links between your daily lifestyle and the survival of the orang-utans.

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