Club Activities: Deserts: Dive In!
"Deserts: Dive In!" gives kids a broad overview of life in the desert, including topics such as the water cycle, evaporation, and adaptation. These activities were designed as a sequence that weaves together PLUM LANDING media resources, including animations, videos, and games, with outdoor exploration and hands-on activities. Each day offers approximately one hour of programming.
Day 1
Today you'll introduce your kids to PLUM LANDING and to the Australian desert. Start out by having kids watch The Lost Lake, a short animated video about the fate of water in the desert. Then, head outdoors for the related hands-on activity Evaporation Station. If time permits, wrap up your day by completing one or more of the "Explore Some More" activities listed with both.
Day 2
Today is all about animals and their habitats. Watch Brad Befriends a Bilby and Zoom In, two animated videos about where animals live. Continue your exploration outside using the associated "Conversation Starters" and completing the "Explore Some More" activities listed with both. If you have cameras, bring them along for data collection!
Day 3
Your introduction to the desert continues! Now that kids have learned some things about desert life, play the desert ecosystem games Explore the Outback and Feed the Dingo. During a break, discuss the "Conversation Starters" associated with each game.
Day 4
Deserts aren't the only places where bodies of water completely vanish. Today, you'll watch Visit a Vernal Pool, a video showing a group of kids exploring a habitat called a vernal pool. Check out the "Explore Some More" ideas listed with the video. Then head outdoors to look for and photograph places where water collects.
Day 5
Wrap up your desert unit by exploring deserts around the world and telling Plum all about YOUR world. Watch Earth to Blorb: The Desert!, have a discussion with the "Conversation Starters," and complete one of the related "Explore Some More" activities. End the day with a sharing session where kids read aloud their letters to Plum.
