Amazon Rainforest: People and Animals
Get up close to taxidermy rainforest animals such as caiman, armadillo and tarantula, and discover how their amazingly adapted bodies help them survive.
In this session, pupils will have the unique opportunity to handle traditional objects handmade by the Wai-Wai people; a group living in the Amazon Rainforest of Guyana and Northern Brazil. Pupils will learn about life in the rainforest by exploring unfamiliar objects, materials they are made from and how they are used.
A short introduction to the Amazon Rainforest will be followed by the circle handling of taxidermy animals that live in the rainforest. Students will then be introduced to Wai-Wai people and explore two stations of Wai-Wai objects. We will finish by talking about what we learned through Wai-Wai objects, discuss threats facing the rainforest habitat and its people and discover solutions for positive change.
The cost of the session also includes timed access for the class to the Aquarium (please note – this is not private access) outside the session.
Learning Objectives
- Pupils will be able to describe at least two ways in which Wai-Wai people use natural resources
- Pupils will be able to mention several species of animals living in the Amazon Rainforest
- Pupils will be able to give examples of threats to rainforest habitats and suggestions for positive change
The Horniman is the perfect place to explore your topic further. Use our ‘Rainforest People’ schools trail to learn more about the incredible display of Wai-Wai objects in our wonderful World Gallery. Explore our Aquarium for Rainforest animals (free entry included with the session rate), or explore South American instruments in the Music Gallery.
You can also support your visit with our Rainforest People Learning pack.
‘Thank you. The session was perfectly pitched for their age. Very interesting and fun.’ Teacher
Please note that our Natural History Gallery is now closed for redevelopment and will reopen in 2026. The rest of our Galleries, displays, Aquarium and Gardens will be open as usual, with plenty across the site to support your topic (from our free Animal Walk, to our World Gallery). Our schools workshops are unaffected.
Our new, free Natural History Pop Up exhibition is now open!
Workshop information
How to book
Booking a taught session includes a welcome briefing on arrival, timed access to a lunch space, cloakroom facilities and access to toilets for the exclusive use of school groups.
Contact us to make a booking:
schools@horniman.ac.uk
020 8291 8686
When you contact us please have ready:
– the name of the taught session you would like to book or topic you are studying,
– 1st/2nd/3rd choice of date and preferred session time,
– the number of pupils and adults attending.
Costs
Entrance to the Horniman Museum and Gardens is free of charge. Taught sessions and access to some exhibitions are charged for. We invoice after your visit.
The following charges apply:
Mainstream State schools: £90 including VAT, £75 excluding VAT
Private/independent schools: £129.60 including VAT, £108 excluding VAT
SEND schools and groups: £45 including VAT, £37.25 excluding VAT
We offer a bursary scheme for schools that meet a set criteria.
Planning your visit
See the School Trips page for other essential information including our Risk Assessment.
We are open from 10am-5.30pm, 7 days a week. Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free of charge but must be booked in advance by emailing schools@horniman.ac.uk.
We offer reduced educational rates for our Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Temporary exhibition. See the School Trips page for further information.
Charges apply to all children aged 3 years and over, and all accompanying teachers and adults, unless they are specific 1:1 carers.