Camp Activities: Dive Into The Desert!
"Dive into the Desert!" give 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 three hours of programming, including time for free play, snacks, and bathroom breaks.
Day 1
Today you'll introduce your kids to PLUM LANDING and to desert ecosystems. 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. Round out your day by discussing the "Conversation Starters" and completing the "Explore Some More" ideas listed at the end of the Evaporation Station activity. If time permits, head back indoors to watch and discuss The Search for Shrimp, another video about life in the desert.
Day 2
Your introduction to the desert continues! Watch Digging for Clues, a short animated video about adaptation in desert habitats. Then, have kids do the related activity Roots and Shoots. Continue your exploration outside by completing the "Explore Some More" ideas listed at the end of the Roots and Shoots activity. If time permits, wrap up the day by watching Build a Rain Barrel, and have kids make their own gauges to measure rain water.
Day 3
Today is all about animals and their habitats. Watch Brad Befriends a Bilby, a short animated video about where animals live. Head outside to continue your exploration using the associated "Conversation Starters" and completing the "Explore Some More" activities. If you have cameras, use those for data collection too! When you return indoors, play the desert ecosystem games Explore the Outback and Feed the Dingo.
Day 4
Let kids take what they've learned about desert life and set it to song! Sing along with the Earthlings on Deserts Aren't Dead, then discuss the associated "Conversation Starters" and complete the "Explore Some More" ideas. If time permits, wrap up your day by heading to the computer lab and having kids complete several Nature Sketchpad missions.
Day 5
Wrap up your desert unit by exploring deserts around the world and telling Plum all about YOUR world. Watch Brad's Favorite Place in Nature, have a discussion using the associated "Conversation Starters" and head outdoors to complete one or both of the "Explore Some More" activities.
When you return indoors, tune in to Earth to Blorb: The Desert! and watch as Plum tells her friends on Blorb all about desert ecosystems. 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.
