Desert Dwellers
Web Quest
This Web Quest is designed for primary students studying the Sonoran Desert.


by
Mary D. Pistor & Cathy Chrisman


Introduction

Task & Process

Resources

Evaluation

Conclusion

Teacher Notes


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Introduction

Did you know that you live in a desert? The place that you call home is surrounded by many wonderful plants and animals. These plants and animals have special ways to survive in our hot climate.  You are about to begin a great adventure in the Sonoran Desert.  Your job is to complete each task below. (You can work alone or with a friend.)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tasks

Task 1 Using the internet and other resources, gather information about the Sonoran Desert.
Task 2  Use the Desert Dwellers Worksheet to record your information. Record the name of your plant and animal, draw a picture and write at least three interesting facts.
Task 3 Use the Desert Data Form to list 5 questions you have about the desert. (See if your partner can answer your questions.)
Task 4   Print the Desert Story Page.  Use your completed information on your Desert Dwellers Worksheet and Desert Data Form to write a story about the desert. Be sure to include your favorite plant and animal and an interesting fact in your story.
Task 5  Save a picture (from the Internet) on a disk of your favorite plant and animal.
Task 6 Present your information or story to an audience.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Resources

Visit these sites for information on desert plants and animals. These sites will answer many questions about desert plants and animals.

Desert Plants

Trees, Shrubs and Cacti of the Sonoran Desert
The Evergreen Project - Desert Plants
Desert Animals
 
Mammals of the Sonoran Desert
Birds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Arthropods of the Sonoran Desert

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Evaluation

You will present your information to the class.

    Answer these questions:

  1. How did you use the World Wide Web to gather information?          

  2. What did you learn by completing the Desert     Worksheet?

  3. How did writing your story help you understand more about your desert plant and animal?


 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Conclusion

Can you believe you learned so much about the Sonoran Desert.  You also learned lots about using the computer and the Internet.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Teacher Notes
We hope your students enjoy this WebQuest.
The Arizona Science Standards that are addressed throughout this WebQuest are from Life Science, Science as Inquiry and Personal and Social Perspectives in Science and Technology.  More information on these standards is available on the Arizona Department of Education Web Page.