Tropical rainforests only cover about 6% of our planet’s surface, but they’re home to more living things than anywhere else on Earth. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of these incredible, endangered ecosystems and learn more about how they are part of your everyday life.
Please note: While Science @ Home activities are designed to be conducted by kids, some little ones might need adult help with reading instructions and preparing crafts.
Explore the Academy’s Osher Rainforest, meet rainforest plants and animals, and discover how things you use every day in your own home have their roots in tropical rainforests. (30-45 min)
Meet a few different animals that live in rainforests—and color them in! Can you find any of these animals in the Academy’s Osher Rainforest the next time you visit?
In our interconnected world, items from the rainforest make their way into our homes and daily lives. Embark on an indoor scavenger hunt to see which products of the rainforest appear in your home.
Learn about rainforest ecosystems as you tour the Academy’s incredible four-story indoor rainforest with a scarlet macaw puppet guide!
While you watch this video, think about the four questions below. Share your answers with a friend or family member or just think in your head.
Biodiversity describes the variety of different kinds of living things in an area. Rainforests are thought to be the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, home to more living things than anywhere else. Say hello to some of the unique creatures that call the rainforest home—and create a few of your own. (45 minutes)
Sloths are found in the rainforests of Central and South America. They’re slow movers and spend most of their time hanging in trees. Make your own sloth with clothespin feet and see where it can hang.
Rainforests are amazingly biodiverse ecosystems, home to a wide variety of plants and animals. In this activity, learn about some examples of plant-animal interactions that happen in the rainforest and try to match each plant with its specific animal.
Come meet the smaller, lesser-known animals of the rainforest as Academy volunteer Trevor takes you on a tour of the arthropods—a group that includes insects, spiders, and crustaceans—that live there.
Join Academy volunteer Shehara in learning all about the largest freshwater fish in the world, the arapaima.
Bring the rainforest home with you! Experience the sounds of tropical birds and falling rain, and build your very own rainforest habitat. (60 minutes)
Explore the rainforest in your imagination through a guided audio meditation!
While you listen to this video, think about the four questions below. Share your answers with a friend or family member or just think in your head.
Today's weather forecast: 100% chance of rain sounds! Make your own rain stick craft to immerse yourself in the sound of the rainforest.
Bromeliads are a group of plants whose leaves often grow in a spiral, collecting water at the center. Many animals live in bromeliad pools, including mosquitos, snails, and even frogs and tadpoles! Build your own bromeliad blanket fort and color a frog hat to wear while you relax inside.
Color, cut, create, and investigate as you get to know the plants and animals of the Academy’s Osher Rainforest. Can you find any of your new rainforest friends the next time you visit the Academy? (45 minutes)
Scales, feathers, and skin! What vibrant colors can you give to these rainforest animals? What colors and patterns will you encounter on your next visit to the Academy?
Macaws are colorful, intelligent birds that pair-bond, or choose a companion. Make your own pair of bonded macaws with this handy craft! Can you find macaws the next time you visit the Academy’s Osher Rainforest?
Zoom in and take a close-up look at a blue-and-yellow macaw feather. What details do you notice?
Take your rainforest adventure to the next level with these extension activities for intrepid young explorers and caregivers to do together.
Set your sights on these residents of the Academy’s Osher Rainforest the next time you come in for a visit!
Join local experts and Academy scientists as they study the incredible biodiversity of the Penang Hill rainforest in Malaysia.
Meet this tiny, bright orange rainforest dweller from Madagascar! It produces strong toxins that it gets from eating poisonous ants.
As you learn more about this fascinating animal, think about the four questions below. Share your answers with a friend or family member!
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