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The Desert Biome

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Did you know that most desert regions receive less than 10 inches of rain per year? Plants and animals in the desert biome have developed some amazing strategies to survive in this harsh, arid climate. For example, the camel is able to survive for long periods without water thanks to the ability to store fat in its hump. If food or water are scarce, the camel’s body can turn this fat into water and energy – so interesting!

In this blog post, we’ll share a variety of engaging resources for a lesson or unit study about the desert biome. If you’re looking for desert-themed ideas, then you’re sure to find something useful in our collection! Scroll down to check out our roundup of desert books, crafts, printables, and hands-on activities.

The desert biome - sand dunes extend far into the distance under a blue sky with a few wispy clouds. a small light green plant is in the foreground. Animal tracks extend away from the plant into the sand dunes.

What is a Biome?

A biome is a large geographical region that is characterized by its unique climate, plants, and animals. Wetlands, grasslands, and temperate forests are all examples of biomes. Learning about different biomes can help us better understand the natural world and how it works. Biomes also provide an opportunity to learn about the different species that inhabit our planet and how they interact with one another.

About the Desert Biome

The desert biome is an extremely dry ecosystem with very low precipitation levels (precipitation means moisture falling from the sky, such as rain or snow). In fact, most deserts receive less than 10 inches of rain per year. A few even receive less than 2 inches of rain per year! Even in places that are usually very hot, deserts can have wide temperature ranges, with hot days and cold nights. 

Deserts are found in many different parts of the world, including North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The unique geography of the desert typically includes sand dunes, rocky areas, and sparse vegetation. Also, deserts are often located near mountain ranges. The mountains act like a big wall that blocks precipitation from reaching the area, helping to create desert conditions. (This is called a “rain shadow” effect.)

Plants and animals have adapted to deal with the extreme temperatures and lack of water in the desert:

  • For instance, many types of cactus are are common in desert regions. Most cacti have thick, waxy skin that helps them retain water.
  • The Fennec fox, which is found in the Sahara desert, has large ears that help it stay cool, and it can go without water for long periods by getting moisture from its prey.
  • Rattlesnakes, which are found throughout the deserts of North America, have a special sense that allows them to hunt in the dark of night when temperatures are cooler.

These adaptations are just a few examples of how plants and animals survive the extreme conditions of the desert biome.

Some Deserts are Cold!

When we think of deserts, we typically think of hot, sandy places. However, there are cold deserts as well! Some examples are the Gobi Desert in Asia and the Great Basin Desert in North America. These deserts can experience extreme temperature changes, with very hot summers and very cold winters. Some deserts are even cold all year long.

Antarctica is considered a desert because it receives very little precipitation, mostly in the form of snow. In fact, Antarctica is the driest continent on Earth, receiving an average of only 6 inches (15 cm) of precipitation per year in the form of snow.

 

The Desert Biome: Fun Facts for Kids

  1. The Saguaro cactus can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) tall and live for over 200 years.
  2. Some desert animals, like the kangaroo rat, never drink water because they get all their water from their food.
  3. The Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China is known for its “singing sands,” which make a sound like a low-pitched hum when the wind blows across them.
  4. The Gobi Desert has dinosaur fossils that are over 80 million years old.
  5. The Mojave Desert in southwestern North America is home to the desert tortoise, which can live up to 100 years.
  6. The Sahara Desert in northern Africa has sand dunes that are as tall as a 50-story building.
  7. The sand in the Sahara Desert can reach temperatures of up to 170°F (77°C) during the day.
  8. The cactus wren, a bird that lives in the desert, builds its nest inside a cactus for protection.
  9. The thorny devil, a lizard that lives in the Australian desert, can shoot blood from its eyes to deter predators.
  10. The Atacama Desert on the Pacific Coast of South America is incredibly dry. In fact, some areas of the Atacama Desert haven’t seen rainfall in centuries.

Curriculum Resources for the Desert Biome

  • Desert Mini-Unit Suitable for ages 4-9 – this is great for older primary students! This mini-unit includes 14 activities including writing prompts, food web activities, animal adaptations, cactus study, and an “A-Z Desert Life” resource featuring pictures and information about 26 desert plants and animals.
  • Desert Preschool Pack Sorting, matching, cutting, and more engaging preliminary activities; great as a supplement to the mini-unit!
  • Desert Animals 3-Part Cards A mix of 24 mammals, birds, reptiles, and arachnids. This set includes full-color realistic illustrations plus blank outlines to copy and use for booklet-making.
  • You might also enjoy some desert-themed ideas from our unit study on the Middle East, which we explored as part of a larger unit study of the continent of Asia. 

Desert Biome Printables from Around the Web

  • ​Desert Habitat 3-Part Cards from Welcome to Mommyhood – this set includes 23 different desert plants and animals.
  • ​Wildlife Tracks blog post by White Sands National Park. White Sands National Park is a beautiful and unique desert environment. While this is not officially a “printable resource” you may want to use the lovely photos here to create your own shelf activity!
  • Bactrian Camel from Learn Create Love – this printable template could be fun for your older students who are confident with scissor skills and also looking for a fine motor challenge. Bactrian camels have two humps and are native to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China.

Desert Books and Materials

Crafts and Hands-On Activities for Learning About the Desert

Holly Earnest

Holly Earnest is a content writer on the Trillium team. After eight years in the classroom and another 2.5 as a center director, Holly transitioned from full-time campus life to focus on supporting Montessori educators and caring for family. She is AMS-credentialed at the primary level, and enjoys coaching Montessori guides, creating Montessori training materials, and presenting at Montessori conferences.