Turn Kids into Rainforest Heroes with These Hands-On STEM Missions

What’s the Issue? Why Kids Should Care About Rainforests

Rainforests cover only 6% of Earth’s surface but house more than half of its plant and animal species. They regulate the planet’s oxygen and carbon balance and are home to countless life-saving plants. And yet, every day, thousands of acres vanish.

Children often hear about deforestation, species loss, or logging bans on the news. But they’re rarely invited to be part of the solution in a real, hands-on way.

This lab experience flips the script. It invites children not just to hear about problems but to solve them — creatively, scientifically, and collaboratively. We’re not just teaching environmental literacy — we’re building eco-heroes from the ground up.

Theory Framework: Material Reuse + Biodiversity Awareness + Role Play

This lab is rooted in three key learning goals:

• Material Literacy – Understanding the lifecycle of resources and how paper, starch, and plant matter can be repurposed into new forms
• Biodiversity Observation – Exploring the importance of habitat and protective structures for rainforest animals, and understanding how ecological systems depend on diversity
• Empathy Through Simulation – Encouraging children to step into the shoes of protectors, designers, and engineers who support ecosystems instead of harming them

These activities connect natural sciences with arts and crafts, and engineering principles with compassion.

Mission 1: Paper Rebirth Station (Recycled Rainforest Scrolls)

Objective

To demonstrate the concept of material reuse and introduce the idea of plant-based paper production, promoting resource mindfulness and appreciation for paper alternatives.

Materials

• Shredded waste paper (non-glossy)
• Blender + warm water
• Large basin or tub
• Old picture frame with mesh screen (DIY paper screen)
• Sponge, cloth, towels
• Optional: flower petals, grass, small seeds, food dye
• Printable rainforest animal silhouettes or symbols to imprint

Instructions

1. Blend shredded paper with water until it becomes a thick, soupy pulp.
2. Pour the pulp into a large water basin. Stir well.
3. Dip the mesh screen into the pulp and lift carefully, allowing water to drain evenly.
4. Let kids decorate their sheet by sprinkling petals, natural dyes, or pressing silhouette stamps into the pulp.
5. Sandwich between towels and sponge out moisture. Use books or boards to press.
6. Let dry for 24–48 hours on a flat surface.

Discussion Prompts

• How many times can we reuse materials before they break down?
• Could we replace school paper with plant-based alternatives?
• What’s the environmental cost of traditional paper?

Mission 2: Endangered Animal Shell Design

Objective

Explore the protective adaptations of rainforest creatures and design custom “eco-shells” to safeguard vulnerable animal figurines. This combines animal biology, shelter design, and natural materials.

Materials

• Cornstarch + baking soda + water (1:1:0.5 ratio)
• Food colouring or natural pigments
• Small rainforest animal figurines (or cut-outs for flat designs)
• Silicone molds, cookie cutters, sculpting tools
• Optional: rainforest background printables
• Oven or hair dryer for drying

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients to form soft, pliable dough.
2. Add pigment and knead to desired tone.
3. Wrap the dough around animal shapes, create shell textures or mold separate armor-like layers.
4. Let dry in open air or bake at 100°C until firm (20–30 mins).
5. Add names, fun facts, or “threat level” stickers to each animal.

Extension Ideas

• Create a “Rainforest Rescue Exhibit” table or shoebox diorama
• Host a “Save Our Species” show-and-tell or classroom challenge
• Build a “Guardian Team Pledge Wall” — kids sign their eco-promises

Speed Lab Options

• Mini Rainforest in a Jar: Create sealed rainforest jars with moss, small ferns, twigs, and pebbles to simulate humidity cycles
• Endangered Species Card Game: Print species flashcards with traits, threats, and fun facts — use for memory games, fact-matching or scavenger hunts

Free Downloads (PDF Toolkit)

Available in the Rainforest Guardians Activity Pack:

• Rainforest Paper Rebirth Instructions
• Eco-Shell Recipe & Mould Template
• Endangered Species Fact Cards
• DIY Exhibit Table Tags & Labels
• Guardian Team Pledge Poster Template

Every Small Guardian Counts

By crafting new materials and designing animal protections, kids gain:

• Confidence in their ability to make change
• Scientific knowledge rooted in environmental ethics
• Joy in creation, discovery, and storytelling

Encourage families to share results online with us and host micro-exhibits at school or home.

Together, we’re not just making crafts. We’re raising defenders of Earth’s greenest treasures.