Concord Consortium
Cities and Gas Stations
In Utah, one stretch of highway goes for 106 miles without a single gas station. Where should people build one? Scholars face the dilemma of where to place a new gas station between three cities. They consider distance and proximity to...
Curated OER
Living in the Desert
Conduct an investigation on the plants used by the Hohokam tribe. To survive in the harsh desert environment the Hohokam used many natural resources. Learners read, research, map, and graph multiple aspects of Hohokam plant use as a...
Curated OER
Plant Diversity and Distribution
Students construct a defined plot on school grounds and observed patterns in plant life. They count trees, shrubs, cacti and record on a data sheet. They compare data and generate a plant diversity overlook for their school.
Curated OER
The Mathematician And The Archaeologist
Students decorate clay pots and destroy them in order to learn the techniques of modern-day archaeologists and practice mathematical measurements. This is an exciting lesson suitable for Social Studies, Math, Science, or Art classroom.
Curated OER
Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
In the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, some tiny creatures show just how quickly natural selection can turn a mutation into an advantageous adaptation. Watch a video about rock pocket mice, who show that one small change can make all...
Curated OER
Using Math To Make Decisions About Animal Habitat
In this animal habitat worksheet, students read, analyze and solve 5 scenarios involving mathematics and animal habitats. Students work out each decision they decide as correct and write out a proposal for each one.
Desert Discoveries
How Old is Old? (And, How Much is a Million?)
Here is an interesting lesson on how old things are designed for young scientists. In it, learners compile a list of their birthdays, and the class puts them in sequential order from youngest to oldest. Then, they sequence 15 objects...
Curated OER
Brain Teaser - Desert
In this logic learning exercise, students solve a word problem using logic about traveling through the desert. Students complete 1 problem total.
Curated OER
Operation Desert Learn
Learners familiarize themselves with factors that contribute to the creation of deserts and where deserts are located. They research the adaptations that both plants and animals need to make in the harsh conditions. They explore the...
Curated OER
City Life or Desert Life
Learners study the Anza-Borrego Desert. They complete the Patterns Project and survey the history of San Diego. They present their research to the class in the form of poster or report.
National Wildlife Federation
Get Your Techno On
Desert regions are hotter for multiple reasons; the lack of vegetation causes the sun's heat to go straight into the surface and the lack of moisture means none of the heat is being transferred into evaporation. This concept, and other...
Curated OER
Flying with Pythagoras
A lengthy narrative about Pythagoras and his students precedes an activity in which your young mathematicians practice using the Pythagorean theorem to solve three problems about flight and distance. Answers are provided.
Curated OER
Luis' Painted Desert
In this solving math questions activity, 1st graders read the short story, "Luis' Painted Desert", and answer 4 short answer questions relating to the story.
Curated OER
Pyramid in The Desert
Students investigate the Sierpinski triangle and calculate the ratio and area of the triangle. For this fractals lesson, students calculate parts of a Sierpincki triangle. They use Google Earth to help them construct the different parts...
Desert Discovery
Leaping Lizards
Here is a fine biology lesson that introduces youngsters to reptiles. They study their feeding habits, their habitats, and the adaptations they must make to survive in their environments. The outstanding lesson includes two excellent...
Curated OER
Thirst Dilemma (Drinking in the Desert)
Ninth graders explore linear functions. In this Algebra I lesson, 9th graders collect and analyze date as they investigate the question of how long will water last if you are trapped in a desert. Students create...
K5 Learning
Landforms
Valleys, mountains, and plateaus are just a few geographic landforms on our Earth. Read about these types and more in a brief landform passage. After reading, learners respond to six short answer comprehension questions.
Curated OER
The Prairie Climate
Ninth graders research the average temperature and precipitation of a prairie region to determine the type of climate it is, and how it differs from other biomes. They examine the types of adaptions animals have made to live in the...
Baylor College
We Need Water
There's nothing quite like a glass of ice-cold, freshly squeezed lemonade. Lesson seven of this series explains how the water humans need to survive can come in many forms. Teach your class about how much water humans require every day...
Curated OER
Basic Mapping Skills
Establish and study the parts of a map with your class and, then they will work in small groups to create their own detailed map, including a legend. There are specific instructions to follow on what needs to be included.
Curated OER
Less vs. Fewer
When should you use less, and when should you use fewer? Straighten out this dilemma with a helpful resource about using less vs. fewer based on sentence context clues. After reading detailed instructions and examples, young learners...
Curated OER
Cactus Wheel
Students explore plant biology by conducting field experiments outside of class. In this desert plant lesson, students discuss how cacti thrive in such dry climates and how dense their populations are. Students utilize action cards, a...
Curated OER
Whole Numbers
A game is a great way to learn. Study what makes an integers, their traits, and characteristics. This lesson includes 3 separate activities intended to promote an understanding of integers, whole numbers, and opposites. The class is...
Curated OER
Places and Production
Students calculate United States GDP and GDP per capita, use a choropleth map to acquire information, and create choropleth maps of GDP per capita in South America. They identify regions with high and low GDP per capita