Grade 5: Our Desert Ecosystem

FIELD TRIP #1   |  Our Desert Ecosystem

Location: Indian Cove Amphitheatre inside Joshua Tree National Park

Big Question:  What makes the desert unique? How does human interaction impact the ecosystem?

Small Question:  How do species interact with one another to survive in the desert? How can human efforts (progress and conservation) impact the ecosystem?

Mentoring: On this field trip 5th grade students will mentor the 3rd grade students. Teachers will be asked to divide their students into small group. A 5th grade group will join a 3rd grade group helping and supporting them during activities.

Objective: Students will…

• Understand the unique adaptations that help plants survive in the desert
• Identify the threat of non-native species to the ecosystem
• Understand the impact of humans to delicate ecosystems
     -> How humans have used the land historically
     -> How humans use the land currently
• Understand the basic premises of Leave No Trace Principles

Vocabulary: Pollinators, Native/non-Native, Impact, Adaptations.

Materials/Supplies: Provided by JTREE.

MS-LS2-4 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Common Core and ELD Standards addressed in the area of Speaking and Listening, constructing arguments, and participating in effective class discussion.

REGISTER YOUR CLASS

To register your class for this date & time, please complete and submit the form below.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Prerequisite: Your class must first have registered and completed the prep on December 5, 2025.
• Bus transport to and from Indian Cove Amphitheatre in Joshua Tree National Park.
      Teachers to coordinate transportation with Amber Harmon.
      Expect students to arrive to Indian Cove by 9:30 am. They will be transported back by 2:00 pm.
• Students will need their lunches. Water and snacks to be provided by DiscoverJTREE.
• Teacher and parent chaperones requested.