Desert
Background Information & Activities

A desert is an area of land that receives very little precipitation—less than 10 inches a year. Deserts make up about one-fifth of Earth’s land and consist mostly of sand, rock formations, and little vegetation.

Because of the dry conditions and extreme temperatures of most deserts, plant and animals have developed special adaptations to survive. Some species of desert perennials lie dormant until more water is available. Plants such as cacti and yucca store water in their thick stems and have no leaves in order to prevent evaporation. Instead they have needles and spines, which protect the plants from animals that seek water. Joshua trees have thick bark to protect themselves against animals. These trees also have thin, waxy leaves that look like spikes. The thin leaves and the waxy coating prevent evaporation. Some desert plants have shallow root systems that can quickly absorb dew and rainwater that seep into the ground. However, desert plants that live near the water table have very long roots that grow deep underground. Most desert plants grow far apart from each other so they do not compete for water.

Desert animals have also adapted to survive in their habitats. Most animals protect themselves from the heat by burrowing underground or resting between rocks. Some birds such as the Gila woodpecker build homes inside cacti. Many desert animals rest and conserve energy during the day and are active when the weather becomes cooler. Nocturnal animals in the desert include mice, skunks, foxes, and some species of snakes. Some animals such as rattlesnakes and Gila monsters are crepuscular, which means they are active at dawn and dusk. Birds that are active during the day will spend a large amount of time in the shade.

Desert animals also have physiological adaptations to live in their environment. Foxes and desert rabbits dissipate heat through their large ears. Many desert rodents have special organs in the nasal cavity that capture moisture when they exhale. The specialized kidneys of some desert animals extract most of the water from their urine.

Deserts all over the world are being threatened due to an ever-increasing human population and land development. Organizations and governments are working to protect this vital landscape by setting aside reserves and increasing public awareness. Conserving water and minimizing pollution are two simple ways people can protect the desert.

Desert Teacher Activities – Click Here!

Desert Family Activities – Click Here!

Desert Teacher Activities

Desert Encyclopedia

Have each student pick a desert animal or plant and learn about how it survives in the desert. What special parts does it have to survive in the heat? What does it do to get water? How does it conserve energy? Students can draw pictures of their plant or animal and write a few sentences or list facts. Collect the pages to create a desert encyclopedia that students can reference. If you prefer, you can have students complete the activity on index cards and create a fact file on the desert instead of a bound book.

Desert Shadowbox

Have students bring in shoeboxes to create desert shadowboxes. They can add sand, rocks, and use plastic animals or draw pictures of animals to add to their boxes. They may even want to bring in small cacti or dried plants to put into their boxes. Make sure students handle the plants with care. Students can share their creations with the class.

World Deserts

As a social studies and geography link, study a map together as a class. Look for the major deserts in the world. Which continent has the most deserts? Which continent does not have any deserts? Where is the largest desert in the world? Remind students that deserts are dry areas that receive little precipitation, but that deserts can be found in surprising places. Polar deserts are arid regions that receive a little snow. Deserts can also be found the mountains. Have students research world deserts and how the people who live there have adapted to the climate.

Desert Fables

There are many fables about the desert. Share a few fables with the class and have students make up their own fables. Students can either write them down or tell them aloud. Remind students that fables are short stories in which animals are the main characters. Most fables teach a moral, or lesson. As a twist, you can start the fable and then go around the room and have students add to the story.

Desert Family Activities

Desert Pottery

Explain to your child that many Native American peoples live in the desert. Have him or her research to learn about different peoples and their pottery. What shapes are found in Native American pottery? What do they represent? Have your child make designs on construction paper and share them with the family. What does his or her shapes represent? If possible, have your child paint his or her designs on plain ceramic pots.

Land History

Land has changed over thousands of years. Areas that are lush tropical forests now were once deserts and vice versa. Scientists have found fossils of fish in areas that are now deserts. Research the land history of your town, county, or state. What fossils have been found there? What kinds of plants and animals live there now? By making comparisons between the past and the present, your child will be able to understand that Earth is constantly changing.

Staying Cool

Summers can be very sunny and hot and it’s important for your child to learn how to be safe. Wearing sunblock, lightweight clothing, light colors, and a hat are important ways to prevent sunburns and even sun poisoning. Staying indoors during the hottest part of the day and resting in the shade can also minimize sun exposure. Brainstorm different tips your child and your family can follow in order to protect themselves on sunny, hot days. Create a poster with the tips and post them in your home.