STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Recognize conditions promoting development of deserts and where they occur

 II.     Describe desert ecosystems, climate, and geology

 III.    Explain the cultural history of local deserts

 IV.     Employ appropriate camping and travel techniques in desert environments

 V.      Interpret current events related to desert lands

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Introduction to and characteristics of the deserts of North America

 II.     Adaptation of desert plants

 III.    Adaptation of desert animals

 IV.     Ecosystems of desert environments

 V.      The cultural history of desert country

 VI.     Climate, geological and physical aspects of the desert

 VII.    Camping and traveling techniques in desert environments

 VIII.   Leave No Trace (LNT) principles in desert environments

 IX.     Environmental concerns and ethics pertaining to desert environments