Grade 6: Visiting the Desert

FIELD TRIP   |  Visiting The Desert

Location: Queen Valley admin site/Ryan Ranch Ruins inside Joshua Tree National Park

Big Question:  How can we safety interact within the desert ecosystem?

Small Question:  What tools can we rely on to safely manage our experiences in the desert?

Objective: Students will…

• Apply their knowledge of native and non-native species, plant and animal adaptations, and human impact on the natural ecosystem.
• Learn about, practice using, and applying their knowledge of topographic and standard geographic maps.

Vocabulary: Native/non-Native, Impact, Adaptations, Topographic Map, Compass Rose, Cardinal Directions, Scale.

Materials/Supplies: Sunscreen, lunch and water. JTREE will supply all other materials.

3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

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.

MS-LS2-5 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.*

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 April 14, 2026.
• Bus transport to and from Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. 
     Teachers are to coordinate school bus transportation.
• Students will need their lunches. Water and snacks to be provided by DiscoverJTREE.
• Teacher and parent chaperones requested.