The Building of a town in the Sonoran Desert

Developed by: ALICE GALFORD

 

Overview

 

The town of Florence developed from a vacant Sonoran desert into a mild metropolis, steeped in rich history of both the culture and environment.  This lesson will tap into the history of the town as well as the natural environment.

 

 

This lesson covers Language Arts Standards for 7th grade (strand 1, strand 2, and strand 3 concept 6).  It will also cover Reading Standards for 7th grade (strand 2 concept 2).

 

 

The following resources will be provided:

1.   internet sites

2.   history books

3.   desert life books

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Arizona is part of the Sonoran Desert and is rich in life, some unique only to this area.  It is also considered the last hold out for the old west lifestyle.  As a sociologist you will explore the many facets of the community to include the environmental factors.

 

 

 

Questions and the Task

 

Task:  You are a sociologist studying how an old west town developed in the harsh Sonoran Desert.  This project was commissioned and will be reported to the Smithsonian Institute of American History.  A display will be designed for the Institute as part of the contract.

You will work in groups of four.  Each student will be responsible for researching a particular aspect of forming a town in the Sornoran Desert.

Questions:

·       What kind of wildlife lives in the Sonoran Desert?  

·       How was the city of Florence settled, who were the first to settle in town and why?

·       What are some interesting facts about Florence?

·       Who were the significant figures of early Florence?

 

 

Student Roles/Titles

 

Person 1 : To describe the environment of a Sonoran Desert.

Person 2: To describe how the town came into being.

Person 3:  To describe interesting facts about Florence.

Person 4:  To describe significant figures of Florence.

Process Directions

 

Each group member will tell the group about what they discovered.  As a group the will discuss what they would like to have in the final product.  The group will prepare a written report to the Smithsonian Institute and design a diorama, timeline of events or pictures of events that support the development.

 

 

Presentation Options:

·        Time line of important events

·       Diorama

·       Pictures showing the development of Florence and significant figures.

·       A slide show also showing the development of Florence and its significant figures

 

 

Resources

 

·       http:www.Florenceaz.org

·       http:www.Arizona.com/

·       http:www.desertusa.com/azparks

·        http://www.desertusa.com/mag01/jan/stories/ovens.html

 

 

 

 

Evaluation/Grading Criteria

 

Please see rubric to review the criteria which will determine your individual grade.  http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=ShowRubric&rubric_id=1283564

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Congratulations on your excellent presentations to the Smithsonian Institute’s Curator.  The curators will place your exhibit in the SW corner of the museum.

 

Your web quest has given you the opportunity to form a “study” and write a clear report on your findings.