How many rainforests are there, where are they, and do global factors effect their locations? These are great questions that have great answers. Children in grades four through eight use several different maps to determine why rainforests occur where they do and what environmental factors cause them to grow. They examine biodiversity, soil, temperature, and precipitation maps to draw conclusions about rainforest ecosystems, then they mark all of the world's rainforests on a blank map. The lesson plan will lend itself well to a deep discussion on the environment, biodiversity, and habitat. Tip: This is a great research topic!