Desert Ecosystems | How Plants & Animals Survive in Harsh Desert Climates
In this one-time STEM class about desert ecosystems, we will explore where they're found, what the climate is like, and the incredible adaptations plants and animals have developed to survive there. #academic
Sarah Skebba
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(282)
Star Educator
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 1 - 3
Deserts are some of the most extreme ecosystems on the planet. Some deserts go years without seeing rainfall, yet plants and animals continue to survive. Because of the extreme conditions found in deserts, plants and animals have developed unique (and weird…) traits that help them to survive with hardly any rain! Desert plants have found creative ways to reflect light or shield themselves from the harsh sun. Others have developed mechanisms to store huge amounts of water that they suck up after infrequent rains. Animals have also adapted to be able to survive in the dry climate! Some animals rely on “ear-conditioning” to allow them to be active during the day, while others avoid the hot sun altogether and are active only at nighttime. Desert animals use a variety of physical and behavioral traits to help them survive. Learners will meet LIVE ANIMALS and learn about how they survive in their desert homes! We will also use an engaging and interactive Google Slideshow to learn how other desert-dwelling species stay alive. The desert is my home and I can’t wait to explore it with your kiddos!
Learning Goals
Students will understand the major characteristics that define a desert ecosystem.
Students will recognize the major challenges that plants and animals face in the desert.
Students will identify adaptations of plants and animals and how they help desert animals survive.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2021
5.0
282reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Arizona State University
Read below to learn about my courses, background, and policies.
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Hi there!
My name is Sarah and I am so excited to explore wildlife, science, and conservation with your learner. I was born and raised in the Metroparks of Ohio, but I currently call the Sonoran Desert of Arizona my home.
I have had a strong love for wildlife and nature for my whole life and have built my career around it. In 2017, I graduated cum laude from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Conservation Biology and Ecology. I am a Certified Environmental Educator in Arizona and a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation.
After college, I worked on several wildlife studies in the field studying species like the western diamondback rattlesnake, spectacled rattlesnakes, and Bahamian rock iguanas. I gained experience as an informal educator developing programs for schools and homeschool students at the Phoenix Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, South Mountain Environmental Education Center, and SeaLife Aquarium.
At the start of COVID, I founded an organization that creates wildlife and conservation STEM resources for K-8 students, including a science curriculum program that teaches core science subjects with an engaging animal twist.
My greatest objective as an educator is to make science FUN. My classes cover important science topics while using wildlife and nature as our driving forces.
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I offer a series of one-time, multi-day, and ongoing classes. Please feel free to request one-time classes if you do not see a session posted.
One-time classes and multi-day classes always include a live animal. Please check class descriptions for ongoing classes.
Refund policy:
~~For one-time classes: Please message me at least 48 hours in advance to find another available session.
~~For ongoing classes: Please request a refund by messaging me at least 48 hours before the session begins. Refunds will not be offered if class is sold out as I cannot fill the spot of your learner.
~~One-on-one classes: Please reach out to reschedule at least one week in advance.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
40 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-9
2-10 learners per class
