For thousands of years, people have lived in the Sonoran Desert and relied on plants for their basic needs. Early cultures passed down a profound knowledge of which plants to use for food, water, medicine, tools, clothing, and construction; when and where to gather them; and how to store and prepare them. Students will see the biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert and learn how Spanish culture influenced the region. Students will tour our People and Plants of the Sonoran Desert Trail, and see the same materials and tools developed by native people.
- Use materials and tools developed by early desert dwellers
- Make items used by early desert dwellers
- Hold a saguaro harvesting pole
- Use a yucca to make a paint brush
- Pound mesquite beans for cookies
- Explain how early people used desert plants for their basic needs
- Describe a variety of desert dwellings
- Understand the effect of Spanish culture on Native American tribes
- Identify importance of mesquite tree and its variety of uses
- Understand how the desert supports various habitats
- Agave cloth, sandal, and brush
- Cholla and agave roasting pit
- Akimel O'odham Household
- Saguaro ramada
- Native crop garden
