Mommio: Desert Unit Study

This week we started a new unit study so that we can learn all about deserts before our trip to Death Valley this January.  The National Parks have a lot of great free curriculum for teachers and we are using the Mojave Desert Discovery curriculum that you can find here.  As with all new unit studies, the kids are really interested in it!  Yesterday we learned all about what a desert is, the different types (coastal, subtropical, interior and rain shadow), how many (21)and where they are, and the general climate of Death Valley (average high in January is 65).  Today we talked about the hazards of the desert and safety issues.  After we talked the kids each pretended to be hikers getting ready to hike in Death Valley and they had to pack backpacks.  Here's the one Avery packed:

I think she did a great job!  Can you guys think of anything else she should have packed for a safe hike in the desert?