6th

Agriculture in Arid Regions: An Introduction

In this lesson, students are introduced to the importance of agriculture in Arizona and the factors that influence what crops are grown and the resources involved (water). Students participate in activities and discussions related to choices and factors that must be considered from both an economic and environmental perspective related to land use and agriculture. 

Grade Level
Subject
Grade Range
6th-8th

Indigenous Agriculture & Plant Cultivation in the Southwest

This lesson introduces students to the long and rich history of agriculture and food gathering in the Sonoran desert practiced by Indigenous peoples in the Southwestern US. The activities and content include traditional food cultivation practices, plant science, relationships between various plants, and human-nature relationships. Students will read several writings on nature and plants by Indigenous authors and compare traditional ways of understanding plant relationships to Western science constructs.

Grade Level
Grade Range
4th-8th

Droughts: Causes and Types

Students will analyze data to recognize drought conditions and participate in group discussions on the causes and signs of droughts. Students will create an informative and illustrative model presentation that identifies the different types of droughts and drought conditions that may exist in their local area using science vocabulary, claims, evidence, and reasoning.

Grade Level
Subject
Grade Range
6th-8th