Deserts can be found on every continent. They are areas that receive very little rain and have hot temperatures. The Sahara desert is the largest sand desert located in Africa. Deserts are made up of sand, rocks, and mountains with very few bodies of water. During the day, temperatures in the desert can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while at night it gets very cold. Animals and plants have adapted to the harsh desert conditions by having camouflage, long roots to reach water, or thick leaves to store water. People visiting or living in the desert must wear protective clothing that covers their skin and keeps them cool.

1. Deserts

2. Where are Deserts?
Deserts can be found on every continent of the world. The largest
sand desert is the Sahara Desert in Africa. The Mojave Desert is in
North America, in the United States.

3. Question:
On what continents can you find deserts?

4. What are Deserts?
Deserts are areas that have very little rain. Deserts are made from sand,
rocks and mountains. The temperature is very hot. There are very few
lakes or water of any kind in the desert.

5. Question:
Can you describe what this desert looks
like?

6. The Weather In The Desert
The temperature in the desert is very hot. It does not rain
very much. Because there is so little rain there are very
few plants that can grow there.

7. Desert Days And Nights
During the day, the temperature in the desert can reach 120 degrees, much
hotter than any summer day in New York. At night the temperature can get very
cold.

8. Animals That Live In The Desert
Desert Squirrel Scorpion
Gray Fox
Snakes
Camel Desert Hare
Animals that live in the desert must adapt to the hot temperature and little
water. Some of them come out only at night when it is cooler. The color of their
fur or skin blends in with the color of the sand. This is called camoflage.

9. Question:
Which animals live in the desert?

10. Plants In The Desert
Prickly Pear Cactus
Saguaro Cactus
Like animals, plants also have to adapt to the hot temperature and
little water. Desert plants have very long roots so they can reach water
deep underground. Some plants, like cactus, have thick leaves which hold
water for a long time.

11. Clothing For The Desert
People who live or travel in the desert must wear special clothing.
They must keep their skin covered all the times to protect themselves
from sunburn. They must cover their heads with a hat or scarf to protect
themselves from the sun. Their clothing is very light because it is so hot.

12. Question:
What would you wear in the desert?

13. Some Desert Signs

14. Question:
Would you like to visit the desert?
Why?