Desert Survival: Students will acquire essential survival skills, including: (1) constructing shelters, (2) basic first aid, and (3) signaling techniques. This lesson fosters teamwork and critical thinking through engaging group activities.

Mammals: This lesson equips students with the knowledge to identify mammals by examining their distinct traits. Using mammal skulls and hides, students will explore adaptations to learn how to recognize wildlife through their skeletal features.

Nature Walk & Habitat Investigation: Our signature lesson! Participants will walk alongside a naturalist to uncover the signs of life within the Oasis. Students will learn techniques for spotting wildlife, even when it is hidden. Tracks, scat, and owl pellets are just a few of the exciting discoveries made during this adaptable lesson for all grade levels.

Aquatic Insects & Water Quality: Students will search for and identify aquatic insects and animals residing in the Oasis ponds. They will learn how to assess water quality based on the types of insects collected, making this lesson especially effective during warmer months. As part of the water quality investigation, students will collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand the water monitoring process.

Owl Pellet Dissection: In this hands-on activity, students will: (1) analyze owl pellets to reconstruct prey animals’ skeletons, (2) create a simple food chain, and (3) identify the trophic levels of organisms within that food chain.

Rocks, Minerals, and Erosion: Through observation and comparison, students will identify and explain three different rock types and their formation processes. Using a scratch test, they will also determine the hardness of an unknown mineral based on its properties. Geodes may be available for hands-on exploration, depending on class size.

Predator & Prey: Students will: (1) describe adaptations in predator-prey relationships, (2) explain the significance of these adaptations, and (3) discuss how these dynamics influence wildlife populations. This lesson is part of the Project WILD initiative.

The Incredible Journey (Water Cycle): Using dice roles, students simulate the movement of water within the water cycle. Role-playing as water molecules allows students to visualize the water cycle as a dynamic process rather than a simple, linear path. Participants will also create water cycle bracelets to illustrate their journey. This is a Project WET activity.

Nature Art: Art takes inspiration from the natural world. In this lesson, students will create landscape paintings that capture the beauty of their surroundings while also engaging in scientific observations within the desert environment.