Desert Facts

Students will create a collection of facts or FAQ (frequently asked questions) about some aspect of the desert. Students can present this in any form appropriate.      

Have students work either individually or in small groups. Ask them to select a concept within desert ecology, living in the desert or desert survival. Possible topics could be adaptations, gardening with native plants, water conservation, species interactions, or anything else that interests the students.  Within the topic, students should create questions that people may not already know about the topic.  These should be useful facts, commonly asked questions, or concepts that may not be well understood.  Students will research these questions to provide informative and accurate answers to their questions. Students will create a collection of information and facts  in a format of their choice.  Students may create a poster, which can be hung in the classroom or hall. The class may also collaborate with a local organization to create an informative poster for the organization's patrons.  Students may also create a website to post online.  Students may videotape their project in the form of a public service announcement to be presented to the class, and possibly be played on an  educational access channel. 

There are several references that can be used as examples to students. Do not allow students to copy the formats or questions, but rather use them to get ideas.

If students are interested in creating a large group project, have them select a broad topic for the class, and each group of students create their own questions. 

References to be used as examples:

Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum FAQ site  
          www.desertmuseum.org/faq/desert_qanda.html 

Jablonsky, Alice.  101 Questions about Desert Life.  Tucson, Az: Southwest Parks and Monuments Association, 1994.

Lazaroff, David Wentworth.  Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Book of Answers.  Tucson, Az: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Press, 1998.