Curriculum
Curriculum
Ages 14-16, Lesson 3: Indigenous Peoples and the Rainforest
View this lesson plan:
In this lesson, students will explore how Indigenous peoples play a vital role in protecting rainforests around the world. By analyzing case studies from Cameroon, Guatemala, and Indonesia, students will consider the challenges Indigenous communities face: from land grabs to threats to forest defenders.
Students will exercise critical thinking by reflecting on the importance of environmental justice in global conservation efforts.
Educational materials
- Videos: ‘Guardians of the Forest’
- Worksheet: Case study analysis (summarize who’s involved, what the issue is, and how communities are advocating for change)
- Quiz: Identify terms (land tenure, conservation, Indigenous rights, advocacy
- Math tie-ie: Charting threats against land defenders
- Art tie-in: Design murals or posts to promote Indigenous-led conservation and advocacy
- Classroom discussion questions:
- Why do Indigenous communities play such a key role in protecting rainforests?
- What challenges do they face in doing so?
