Lesson Plan
Day 1 Lesson Plan
Students will observe and describe how day length changes in the fall season of the Sonoran Desert, compare daytime and evening visuals, and complete a simple worksheet to record their observations.
Understanding shorter days helps students grasp seasonal changes, develop observation and vocabulary skills, and connect local environments to broader natural patterns.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
Step 2
Guided Discussion
10 minutes
Step 3
Hands-On Sorting Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Share
5 minutes
Discussion
Activity
Lesson Plan
Day 2 Lesson Plan
Students will build a 3D paper-and-toothpick cactus model, discuss desert plant characteristics, and practice fine-motor and descriptive skills.
This craft reinforces students’ understanding of Sonoran Desert flora, builds fine-motor coordination, and encourages vocabulary use as they describe plant shape and texture.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
20 minutes
Step 1
Introduction & Review
5 minutes
Step 2
Modeling Craft Steps
10 minutes
Step 3
Student Craft Time
10 minutes
Step 4
Share & Reflect
5 minutes
Activity
Lesson Plan
Day 3 Lesson Plan
Students will compare fall visuals from the Sonoran Desert with those in other U.S. regions, discuss differences in foliage and climate, and practice fine-motor skills by coloring leaves and pumpkins.
By exploring how fall looks across states, students build comparative language, cultural awareness, and hand-eye coordination through art. Understanding regional differences deepens seasonal concepts.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Introduction & Map Exploration
5 minutes
Step 2
Guided Discussion
10 minutes
Step 3
Coloring Activity
10 minutes
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Share
5 minutes
Discussion
Activity
Lesson Plan
Day 4 Lesson Plan
Students will synthesize their learning by creating a mixed-media fall collage using construction paper and tissue paper to represent the Sonoran Desert and other U.S. fall visuals, and share their artistic choices.
This capstone activity reinforces seasonal concepts, comparative vocabulary, fine-motor skills, and creative expression while allowing students to reflect on regional fall differences.
Audience
Time
Approach
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
20 minutes
Step 1
Introduction & Review
5 minutes
Step 2
Collage Creation
15 minutes
Step 3
Partner Share
5 minutes
Step 4
Reflection & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
Activity
