PBS
Pbs: The Dust Bowl
You are about to embark on an experience that will show you what life was like on the southern Great Plains during the Dust Bowl. On your journey, you will learn about the changing market and weather conditions and be asked to make...
United Nations
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
This is the website for a United Nations organization that works to develop solutions for desertification. There are lots of resources for learning about how desertification is affecting different parts of the world and about what...
University of Nebraska
United States Drought Monitor
This interactive map of the United States provides an extensive overview of drought conditions. You can watch animations of drought patterns over different time intervals.
Center for Educational Technologies
Cet: Exploring the Environment: Drought
The U.S. National Park Service has asked students to advise it whether the drought that greatly impacted the Midwest and Southwest is a consequence of global climate change or just an abnormal weather pattern. In either case, they will...
Utah State Office of Education
Utah State Office of Education: Water's Importance to Life on Earth
A variety of activities to help students explore the relationship of water to life on Earth. Provides an opportunity to see how ocean levels have changed over time and what effect that can have on living things.
The Tech Interactive
The Tech Interactive: Lesson Plan: Catch It if You Can! [Pdf]
Young scholars will learn about the ongoing issues associated with drought in California and how water conservation can be part of a solution. Students will design a rooftop water catchment system for drought-conscious Ms. Drizzle to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Rain Erosion: Does the Rate of Water Effect Erosion?
In this lab, students investigate whether the rate of water falling (rain) affects the amount of erosion (soil movement). This experiment could lead to further questions: how does grass or rocks effect soil erosion, does erosion lead to...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Climate Change Is About Water
Through a range of voices and multimedia materials, discover the story of climate change and its impacts on water in Bolivia. Case studies bring the explanatory analysis of vulnerability and the social, economic and cultural impacts of...
University of South Florida
Fcat Express: Droughts May Have Killed 1st Colonists
For advanced readers, this newspaper article on the "Lost Colony" and Jamestown, is followed by questions with immediate feedback. It can be printed for class use.
US Geological Survey
U.s. Geological Survey: Drought
General information about droughts includes how to determine when a drought begins and what areas of the United States they are most likely to occur.
DOGO Media
Dogo News: Why La Reservoirs Are Covered With Plastic Balls
Read about the shade balls being used to preserve water in drought-stricken Los Angeles. Includes video.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Drought
The unit teaches students to interpret climate data to recognize the symptoms and evaluate the severity of drought. It helps them realize that drought can still devastate areas that have stable infrastructure and access to expensive...
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Drought
Eight online learning labs which focus on the effects of drought, the quiet disaster. Each module takes students to external sites containing data, graphs, and articles. Several labs also require additional software programs: a...
Travel Document Systems
Tds: Eritrea: Economy
A look at the economy of Eritrea which is affected by border wars and drought. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
NASA
Nasa: Climate Kids: Rainsticks and Folklore
From superstitions to satellites, find out how weather instruments have helped people predict drought conditions through time.
NASA
Nasa: Climate Kids: Gallery of Fresh Water
A collection of images showing both water shortage conditions and water conservation efforts.
Other
Water Use It Wisely: Links and Resources for Water Conservation
A comprehensive reference page with numerous links to water conservation resources. On your quest to begin your own water preservation program, you can reach clean water organizations, read water conservation tips, research landscape...
NASA
Climate Kids: Keeping Track of Water in the Soil
Website for kids with animated features and graphs teaches about climate and severity of drought in the U.S., particulary California.
Other
Niwa: Drought
Learn all about droughts! Understand that a drought is a period of insufficient plant growth due to low rainfall amount. Also learn how droughts are predicted and the impacts of a drought on an ecosystem.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Epa: Natural Disasters: Drought
A look at some real-world issues as well as the scientific research and technology used to support the EPA's mission to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Heat Waves and Droughts
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes the causes and effects of heat waves and droughts.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Heat Waves and Droughts
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Describes the causes and effects of heat waves and droughts.
Other
Water.org
Water plays a crucial role in the lives of every living being on Earth. Learn about how this essential resource is used across the planet each day, and how clean water is often difficult for many populations to obtain. Includes...
Read Works
Read Works: Into the Flames
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text smoke jumpers who jump out of airplanes in order to fight wildfires. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.