Deserts provoke curiosity. They are big, vibrant and spacious. Deserts, the outback, and arid inland areas are part of Australian identity and culture. Children may be interested in deserts if they live near one, have visited one during a holiday, or have seen one in pictures.
The topic of deserts connects with the Early Years Learning Framework's (EYLF) learning outcomes. Children can learn respect for nature (2.4) and environmental issues like drought. They can connect with places in Australia and overseas (4.4), and explore their curiosities (4.1).
There are ten deserts in Australia:
Gibson Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Great Victoria Desert, Little Sandy Desert, Pedirka Desert, Simpson Desert, Strzelecki Desert, Sturt Stony Desert, Tanami Desert, and Tirari Desert.
Learning experiences
Look at satellite images
Look at a satellite image map of Australia using Google maps. Explain to children that this is a view of the land from very high above. The green areas show where lots of trees grow and the red or brown areas show the deserts.
Next, look at a view of the entire earth. Which countries, other than Australia, have deserts?
Play with a small world
Fill the bottom of a container with sand to represent a desert. Add in yellow/orange/red/gold loose parts so children can play with their own landscape. Consider using:
- rocks
- sequins or beads
- died lentils, rice, macaroni or corn kernels
- driftwood
- fabric
- wooden blocks
- toy people and animals.
Make your own tumbleweed
Tumbleweeds are dried, round plants that have detached from their roots. They are often seen in deserts, tumbling across the ground on windy days.
- Blow up a balloon.
- Cover it with PVA glue.
- Stick pieces of straw to the glue so the balloon is covered completely.
- Once the glue has completely dried, roll your tumbleweed across the floor.
Grow succulents
Succulents are plants that retain water, which makes them well-suited to deserts and arid landscapes. They are easy to grow in small pots and make great gifts. Learn how to grow your own succulents on Better Homes and Gardens.
Make your own cactus
Collect tiny twigs from outside and make a lump of green playdough. Your children can now make their own cactuses by inserting prickly twigs into the dough.
Discussions
- Do people and animals live in deserts? What do they need to survive?
- Where can you find drinking water in a desert?
- Is it always hot in a desert?
- Are there different types of deserts?
- Have you ever been to a desert? What was it like?
Resources
Picture books
Desert Jungle by Jeannie Baker
Websites
National Geographic: What is a desert?
Videos
Play School: Desert Animals