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including homes from Rainforest Alliance

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Discover some of the world's most important rainforests from right where you're sitting.

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Wealth of information on different biomes including rain forest plants, animals & people

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People, Animals & Facts  very child friendly

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The Rainforest: People, Animals and Facts * KidExplorers * ChristianAnswers.Net

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Rain forest information for children

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Mongabay is the world's most popular site about the rainforest. This section provides information about tropical rainforests in a format suitable for children as well as rainforest materials for educators. For additional information about rainforests, see the rainforests news feed and the main rainforests web site.

Mongabay offers leveled readers for specific grades, including 1st grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.

The main rainforests section contains a wealth of information on a wide range of issues related to rainforests, like biodiversity, the Amazon, deforestation, the canopy, indigenous peoples, conservation, and the Congo, among many other topics

About Mongabay: Mongabay began as a rainforest information site in 1999 and over the years has expanded to become a non-profit environmental media organization, with bureaus in the United States, Indonesia, India, and Peru. Mongabay works with more than 450 journalists in about 50 countries to produce conservation and environmental science news. Research and articles by Mongabay staffers have been published in a variety of publications, ranging from the journal Science to Singapore's Straits Times newspaper to the Washington Post and our content is regularly cited by some of the world's leading media outlets.
FAQs

May I use graphics from mongabay.com for my projects? Yes, you may provided that you don't remove the mongabay label from the images. You may use information from the site for class projects and can cite mongabay as the source.

Where can I learn more about rainforests? Check the main rainforest site.

Is this web site credible? Mongabay is the world's most popular source for information on tropical forests. The site is highly acclaimed by a number of the world's leading tropical scientists. See more answers at our frequently asked questions page.

© Mongabay 1995-2018

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Mongabay is the world's most popular site about the rainforest. This section provides information about tropical rainforests in a format suitable for children as well as rainforest materials for educators. For additional information about rainforests, see the rainforests news feed and the main rainforests web site.

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Active Wild

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In Antarctica Facts For Kids, we'll be exploring the vast frozen continent of Antarctica. We'll find out about its location, its climate, its animals and plants, and how it was discovered.

Discover interesting facts about Antarctica by looking out for the blue text !

Antarctica Facts For Kids (& Adults!)

A Complete Guide To Antarctica

On this page you'll find a complete guide to Antarctica. You can also check out the pages below for even more Antarctica facts & information!

What Is Antarctica?

Antarctica is a continent (the 5th largest)

The South Pole is located in Antarctica

Antarctica is surrounded by the Southern Ocean

Antarctica is an ice-covered continent that covers the southernmost part of the world. The South Pole is located in Antarctica. Antarctica is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.

Where Is Antarctica?

If you were to sail due south from either Chile, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand, you'd get to Antarctica! In fact, because the South Pole is in Antarctica, by flying south from anywhere in the world you'd eventually reach the continent.

Antarctica is at the 'bottom' of most globes.

Almost all of Antarctica is located within the Antarctic Circle, an imaginary line that circles the southern part of the world.

The latitude of the Antarctic Circle is approximately 66.5° South. Its exact latitude changes over time. As of February 2016, it is 66°33′46.1″.

Latitude is a way of measuring how far north or south a point on the globe is. The South Pole has a latitude of 90° South, the Equator a latitude of 0°, and the North Pole of 90° North. Latitude is the angle from the Equator, measured from the centre of the earth.

Antarctica Geography

Click on the map below to see a larger image:

Antarctica is divided into three main parts. East Antarctica is the biggest part. It is separated from West Antarctica by a mountain range called the Transantarctic Mountains.

Projecting from West Antarctica is the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost part of Antarctica. From the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, South America is around 621 miles (1,000 km) away.

The South Pole is in East Antarctica.

Click on the map of Antarctica above to explore the continent. (Map provided by NASA's LIMA Project.)

Day Lengths On Antarctica

Within the Antarctic Circle, there are periods of the year during which the sun doesn't rise for at least 24 hours, and during which the sun doesn't set for at least 24 hours. (In fact, this is how the location of the Antarctic Circle is defined, rather than having a fixed, physical location.)

As you approach the South Pole, the periods during the winter in which the sun doesn't rise - and in the summer in which the sun doesn't set - get increasingly longer.

At the South Pole itself, the sun only rises once a year, and only sets once a year!

Antarctica Vs Antarctic

The world Antarctica refers to the continent of Antarctica. The word Antarctic is used to describe the polar region that includes the continent of Antarctica, and also the seas and islands of the Southern Ocean that surround the continent.

Is There Land Under Antarctica?

Unlike the North Pole, which is located on a frozen ocean, the South Pole is on land.

Although it's buried by thick ice, there is land under Antarctica. There is therefore land under the South Pole. The same can't be said of the North Pole, which is located on the frozen ice of the Arctic Ocean.

Antarctica Ice Sheet

98% of Antarctica is covered by a thick sheet of ice. The ice is, on average, around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) thick. In places, the ice can be 2.8 miles (4.5 km) thick.

The ice sheet is continually moving, forming glaciers and huge ice shelves that float on the sea.

If the Antarctic ice sheet were to melt, then the world's sea level would be raised by 60 m (200 ft.)

Antarctica Video

The video below gives you a good idea of what Antarctica is like.

How Big Is Antarctica?

Antarctica covers an area of 14 million square kilometres (5.4 million square miles). It is the 5 th largest continent after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. (The two continents that are smaller that Antarctica are Europe and Australia.)

Antarctica is almost twice the size of Australia, about 1.3 times the size of Europe, and just less than one and a half times the size of the USA.

Antarctica's coastline is 17,968 km (11,158 miles) long.

Antarctica Climate

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth.

Antarctica's climate is harsh and unforgiving. It is cold, dry, and frequently swept with hurricane force winds.

Antarctica is the earth's coldest continent. The average temperature in the interior of Antarctica is between -67 and -76 °F (-55 and -60 °C). The average temperature for the coldest part of the year is −81 °F (−63 °C).

There is very little precipitation on Antarctica. In the interior, it falls as snow, and averages 2 inches (50 mm) per year. More rain falls on the Sahara desert that snow on the Antarctic interior.

The climate is slightly milder on the coast and on the Antarctic Peninsula. At the coast, temperatures rise above freezing during the warmest summer month. There is more precipitation - some of which falls as rain in the summer - away from the interior. Antarctic coasts receive an annual rainfoall of around 8 in (200 mm).

The video below shows what a storm in Antarctica looks like.

Is Antarctica a country?

Antarctica is not a country, and doesn't have a government. Various countries have claimed parts of Antarctica, but these claims aren't always recognised by other countries.

In 1959, 12 countries signed the 'Antarctic Treaty' that prevented countries from claiming parts of Antarctica. The twelve countries were: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. Forty-one countries have since signed the treaty.

The treaty also ensured that Antarctica could only be used for scientific purposes. No military activity is allowed on Antarctica, and mining, nuclear explosions and nuclear waste disposal are also banned.

Since 1994, no non-native species (other than humans!) are allowed on Antarctica.

Do People Live On Antarctica?

Most of the people who live on Antarctica are scientists and support staff. In the summer, only 5,000 people live on the continent. Only around 1,000 people remain during the winter.

Antarctica has no indigenous peoples.

Who Discovered Antarctica?

British naval captain James Cook and his crew were the first people to enter the Antarctic circle. However, although they sailed within 150 miles of Antarctica, they were still too far away to actually see the continent.

The first time anyone laid eyes on Antarctica was in 1820, when several expeditions set out to the continent. One was led by Russian explorers Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev, and another by English naval officer Edward Bransfield.

Antarctica Animals

Antarctica is an inhospitable place, and has low biodiversity (i.e. not many different species live here). Life can only exist in milder coastal areas and on the Antarctic Peninsula.

There are no terrestrial mammals on Antarctica. Several species of seal, including the Elephant Seal and Antarctic Fur Seal, are found on the Antarctic coast.

Whales also inhabit the Southern Ocean. Species known to pass close to Antarctica include the Blue whale, Fin whale, Humpback whale and Sperm whale.

There are no reptiles or amphibians on Antarctica.

Several small invertebrates (animals without backbones) live on Antarctica. These include mites (tiny crustaceans), springtails (small, insect-like creatures), midges and other insects. Other Antarctic invertebrates include nematodes (tiny worms) and rotifers (microscopic animals).

Antarctic Penguins

Antarctica's most famous inhabitants are its penguins. Five species breed on Antartica itself: the Chinstrap Penguin, Adelie Penguin, Emperor Penguin, Gentoo Penguin and Macaroni Penguin. Other species breed on the surrounding islands.

In spring, around 100 million birds, including gulls, petrels, sheathbills and terns, nest on the coasts of Antarctica and the surrounding islands.

Antarctica Plants

Most of Antarctica's plants are found on the Antarctic Peninsula. Some mosses and lichens are found further inland. The only two flowering plants found on Antarctica are the Antarctic Hairgrass and the Antarctic Pearlwort.

Antarctica Facts For Kids Conclusion

We hope that you have enjoyed this quick introduction to one of the world's most amazing places. Now that you know all about Antarctica, why not take a trip to the opposite side of the world and learn some amazing Arctic Facts?

If you enjoyed reading this article please be sure to give it a mention on social media, and tell your friends to visit!

You can also sign up to our email newsletter and discover more about our amazing world and the living things that call it home!

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Antarctica Facts For Kids, With Pictures, Information & Video

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In Antarctica Facts For Kids, we'll be exploring the vast frozen continent of Antarctica. We'll find out about its location, its climate, its animals and plants, and how it was discovered. Discover interesting facts about Antarctica by looking out for the blue text ! On this page you'll find a complete guide to Antarctica.

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Have a look at this world map to see where the different biomes are.

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This map shows where these biomes are found around the world.

Your web browser does not have JavaScript switched on at the moment. For information on how to enable JavaScript please go to the Webwise site.

You will not be able to see this content until you have JavaScript switched on.

Biome characteristics

Tropical forests are found near the equator in Central and South America, parts of Africa and Asia. They are hot and humid and contain a huge variety of plants and animals - around half of all the world's species. The trees are mostly hardwood. The climate is called equatorial.

[ Savannah or tropical grasslands are hot and dry, dominated by grass, scrub scrub: Dense vegetation consisting mainly of small shrubs and bushes. ] and occasional trees. They have two distinct seasons - a dry season when much of the vegetation dies back, and a rainy season when it grows rapidly. They are found in central Africa (Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania), northern Australia and central South America (Venezuela and Brazil).

Desert is the driest and hottest of areas. The world's largest desert is the Sahara in North Africa. Areas of scrub land that border the desert are called desert scrub.

Mediterranean climates are not too hot or cold. They are found around the Mediterranean Sea, near Cape Town in South Africa and Melbourne in Australia.

Temperate grasslands are dominated by grass and trees and large bushes are scarce. They have a temperate continental climate - the weather is mild with moderate rainfall. Grasslands include the Puszta in Hungary, the Veldt in South Africa, the Pampas in Argentina and the Prairies in the USA.

Temperate deciduous forests contain trees that lose their leaves and are found across Europe and USA. The weather is mild and wet. The climate is called temperate maritime.

Coniferous forests, containing evergreen trees, are found in Scandinavia, Russia and Canada. They have a cool climate with moderate rainfall called cool temperate.

Mountain areas can be very cold at night and during winter. The growing season is short and at higher levels trees will not grow.

Tundra surrounds the North and South poles. They have an extremely cold climate, with limited numbers of plants and animals able to survive there.

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This map shows where these biomes are found around the world. Your web browser does not have JavaScript switched on at the moment. For information on how to enable JavaScript please go to the Webwise site. You will not be able to see this content until you have JavaScript switched on.

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from Rainforest Alliance - profiles of plants and animals of African, Asian and South American rain forests

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Working with you to rebalance the planet through sustainable transformation in agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Strong forests and thriving communities benefit us all.

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Living in the Rain Forest from Kids Discover

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Living in the Rain Forest from Kids Discover

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Interactive

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Living in the Rain Forest | Kids Discover

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The 'Busy' Life of the Sloth | BBC Earth

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Plants and animals in the rain forest

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Tree and plant life in the jungle - David Attenborough - BBC wildlife

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David Attenborough looks at how plants compete to get the most sunlight in thick tropical forest. From the BBC.

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Useful websites for research

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Test your knowledge of South American Countries

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Drag and drop the puzzle pieces into place. When you have them in the right spot, they will click in.

If you are just learning, there is a practice mode that has outlines on the puzzle background.

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Drag and drop the puzzle pieces into place. When you have them in the right spot, they will click in. If you are just learning, there is a practice mode that has outlines on the puzzle background.

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Information on ten key rain forest plants

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The current article you are reading does not reflect the views of the current editors and contributors of the new Ecorazzi

Our surroundings are sometimes taken for granted. Even something as unique as the rainforest is forgotten. It seems a little bit of knowledge and a shove in the right direction can get people to appreciate the environment. So, why not start with the wonder that is the rainforest?

Even though rainforests only cover less than two percent of the Earth's entire surface area, they are home to 50 percent of the plants and animals. They are also found on every continent, except Antarctica. That's pretty amazing! Now, let's see what they have to offer in plants. Out of 40,000 plant species, here are 10 amazing rainforest plants that will blow your mind and get you reacquainted with our planet.

Habitation: Found in Central America, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia and non-tropical regions like the United States thanks to modern agricultural technologies.

Habitation: Extremely adaptable and grows in most climates with the majority being found in Central America, South America and in countries along the Andes Mountains.

Habitation: Prefers high altitudes for shade with a wet and dry season. Originated in Ethiopia and Sudan and now more than two-thirds grow in Latin America.

Habitation: Located in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru.

Habitation: Native to the tropical forests in Mexico and Central America.

Habitation: Grows below altitudes of 1,000 feet in an area that receives about 4 inches of rain per month, originated in the lowland rainforests of Amazon River basins and can now be found in southern Mexico.

Habitation: Located in the Amazon region of South America including Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

Habitation: Found in the Neotropics including southern Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies.

Habitation: Native to southern Mexico, Belize and northeastern Guatemala.

Habitation: Found in the Neotropics including southern Mexico, Central and South America and the West Indies. One species is also found in western Africa.

Some of our favorite foods and plants come from the rainforest; that's why it's so important to preserve the rainforest in a respectful and sustainable manner. Imagine living without bananas, chocolate and beautiful orchids and poinsettias. Now, that would be disappointing.

Want some more amazing rainforest galleries?
:: 10 Rainforest Creatures that Defy Imagination
:: 10 Celebrities Fighting to Save the Rainforests
:: 8 Rainforest Eco Resorts

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The current article you are reading does not reflect the views of the current editors and contributors of the new Ecorazzi Our surroundings are sometimes taken for granted. Even something as unique as the rainforest is forgotten. It seems a little bit of knowledge and a shove in the right direction can get people to appreciate the environment.

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Information about animals in the Amazon rainforest

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Information about animals in the Amazon rainforest

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Carnivores only eat other animals. They do not eat any plants. Harpy Eagles, Jaguar, and Piranhas are some of the carnivores that live in the Amazon Rain Forest. This is where they are in the food...

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Food from Rain Forest Plants | Kids Discover Online

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Discover Standards Learn About Kids Discover Online

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Find out how to make a difference to the birds in coffee growing areas.

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Shade Grown Coffee: Organic, Fair trade, Bird Friendly Coffees - Eartheasy.com Solutions for Sustainable Living

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Information and sources for organic and shade grown coffees.

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ICT related

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Simulation and Modelling - other resources on website relating to sustainability

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Visit the Rainforest Alliance SmartHouse and SmartFarm to learn about the people, places and processes behind the production of

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Short (7 mins) introduction to rain forest underneath canopy - UK English

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Amazon Explorer interactive game

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Journey Into Amazonia -- Play Amazon Explorer!

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Journey into Amazonia play amazon explorer! | about the series | enter amazonia | waterworlds | life on land | the big top powerful plants | sacred ground | teacher resources | web resources | site credits

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Programme an interactive food pyramid for a chosen habitat

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Turn on the background scrolling to sync with tilemap scrolling

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National Geographic (not BBC) Amazon documentary

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Various film clips

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Stunning films of nature as you've never seen it, shot by the world's leading wildlife filmmakers at the renowned, award-winning Natural History Unit.