Dry Truths Worksheet
DRY TRUTHS WORKSHEET
Desert Detective Field Report
Name:
Date:
Initial Investigation
Look at the word "Antarctica" on the board. Based on what you know right now, is it a desert?
YES
NO
Evidence Collection
1. What is the real definition of a desert according to the video?
2. Define Precipitation:
The Great Desert Compare
Analyze the differences and similarities between the Sahara and Antarctica.
SAHARA
ANTARCTICA
BOTH
The Final Verdict
Is Antarctica a desert? Explain your answer using the scientific definition of precipitation as evidence.
Arid Atlas Slides
ARID ATLAS
Exploring the Misconception of Heat vs. Dryness
5th Grade Science Biomes Unit
A Cold Question...
ANTARCTICA
Is it a desert?
YES
NO
VOTE NOW ON YOUR WORKSHEET!
WHAT IS A DESERT?
NOT TEMPERATURE
Deserts aren't defined by how hot or cold they are.
PRECIPITATION
Deserts are defined by lack of water (rain, snow, or hail).
"Deserts are really dry places that don't see much rain. Some are hot, and some are cold."
— Video Narrator
VIDEO: Desert Wonders
Embedded media
WATCH FOR:
The definitions of "arid" and "precipitation."
PAUSE AT:
3:10 for the Antarctic reveal!
DISCUSS:
How do animals survive without water?
SAHARA
- Located in Africa
- The world's biggest hot desert
- Famous for massive sand dunes
- Can be as hot as an oven!
- Home to camels
ANTARCTICA
- Located at the South Pole
- The world's largest desert overall
- Covered in massive ice sheets
- The coldest place on Earth
- Home to penguins and seals
VENN DIAGRAM ANALYSIS
SAHARA
Sand, Hot, Africa, Camels
BOTH
Low Precipitation
Extreme Conditions
Specialized Life
ANTARCTICA
Ice, Cold, South Pole, Penguins
Work with your partner to fill in your worksheet circles!
FINAL VERDICT
Is Antarctica a desert?
YES!
Even though it is made of ice, it receives almost no new precipitation each year. Temperature doesn't make a desert—dryness does!
Explain your reasoning on your field report.
Dry Truths Teacher Key
TEACHER ANSWER KEY
Arid Atlas: Dry Truths
5TH GRADE
1. Initial Investigation
Student answers will vary. Use this to gauge prior misconceptions.
2. Evidence Collection
Desert Definition:
A vast, open space that is extremely dry and receives very little rainfall (usually less than 250mm/10 inches per year).
Precipitation Definition:
Water that falls from the sky to the Earth's surface. This includes rain, snow, hail, and sleet.
3. Venn Diagram Key
SAHARA ONLY
- Sand dunes
- Extremely Hot
- Located in Africa
- Camels, rattlesnakes
BOTH (THE CENTER)
- Low Precipitation (Very Dry)
- Extreme temperatures
- Specialized wildlife/life
- Harsh/challenging environments
ANTARCTICA ONLY
- Ice sheets / Glaciers
- Extremely Cold
- South Pole
- Penguins, seals
4. The Final Verdict
Example of a high-quality student response:
"Yes, Antarctica is a desert. Even though it has lots of ice, a desert is defined by how much precipitation (rain or snow) falls, not by its temperature. Antarctica is the driest place on Earth because it gets very little new snow or rain each year, which fits the scientific definition of a desert."
Instructional Guidance
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think "Desert = Sand". Remind them that the Gobi is rocky and Antarctica is icy.
- Students confuse "water present" with "precipitation". Explain that the ice in Antarctica is old, not new rain/snow.
Discussion Prompters
- "If it doesn't rain in the Sahara for a year, where do the camels get water?" (Adaptations/Oases)
- "Why doesn't the ice in Antarctica melt if it's a desert?" (Temperature vs. Aridity)