Delving into a seemingly dry and barren ecosystem, this fun-filled activity book closely examines the desert landscape and shows how many exciting discoveries it holds. Exploring native plants and animals and depicting the extreme temperatures, rough terrain, and vast distances in detail, this lively reference describes lost civilizations as well as today's desert-dwelling cultures. "Try This" science and history activities are also included--from creating mirages and fashioning an Anasazi clay bowl to growing salt crystals and even assembling a cactus dish terrarium. Demonstrating why adventurers have always been drawn to the world's deserts, this entertaining overview also provides education on the environment, examining how the health of the planet depends on the careful treatment of the desert's many resources.

Author Biography

Kathryn Ceceriis an elementary and middle school teacher and a columnist for "Home Education Magazine." She has been featured in "Child," "FamilyFun," and "Sesame Street Parents," and online at Wired.com. She is the author of "Around the World Crafts: Great Activities for Kids Who Like History, Math, Art, Science and More!" She lives in Schuylerville, New York. Samuel Carbaugh is the illustrator of "Amazing Math Projects You Can Build Yourself." He lives in Vermont.