Cactus Wheel

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In this outdoor activity/field trip, learners explore the concept of population density. Using a simple hunt-and-walk technique, learners will count several kinds of desert plants and compare their population densities. This activity is designed for desert areas but can be adapted to other ecosystems. Also, check your local botanical gardens, they may have a desert plant section.

Quick Guide

Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Field Trip
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • pencils and paper
  • Action cards (in PDF)
  • data board with two sheets of paper
  • marking pen
  • metric ruler
  • pencil compass for drawing circles
  • large comb (if cholla cacti are present)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
    • Ecology
      • Populations
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1980