Lesson Plan

• Describe the global distribution of arid and semi‑arid climate zones.
• Explain the key physical characteristics of desert environments (precipitation, evapotranspiration, temperature range, vegetation, soils).
• Analyse the primary atmospheric and geographic processes that create aridity.
• Evaluate how human activities can intensify desertification.

• World map or projected slide showing arid climate belts.
• PowerPoint/Google Slides with diagrams and the climate‑type table.
• Student handout summarising climate types and water‑balance equation.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Worksheets for case‑study analysis.
• Laptop/computer and projector.

Show a striking photograph of Sahara dunes and ask, “What makes this landscape so dry?” Connect to prior knowledge of rainfall patterns and pressure systems. Explain that by the end of the lesson students will be able to map arid zones, list their main characteristics, and explain the natural and human causes of aridity.

1. Do‑now (5') – Kahoot quiz on world climate zones to activate prior knowledge.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present the distribution of arid and semi‑arid climates using a world map.
3. Guided analysis (12') – Students examine the provided climate‑type table, identify patterns, and complete a worksheet.
4. Characteristics activity (10') – In small groups create a concept map of desert traits (precipitation, ET, temperature, vegetation, soils, wind).
5. Causes investigation (15') – Station or slide‑show rotation covering high‑pressure belts, rain‑shadow effect, cold ocean currents, continentality, and human influences; each group summarises one cause.
6. Water‑balance demonstration (5') – Walk through the equation P – ETₚ = ΔS and discuss soil‑moisture deficit.
7. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: write one natural and one human cause of aridity.

Recap the main distribution patterns, characteristic features, and the suite of natural and human drivers of aridity. Collect exit tickets and highlight a few student responses. Assign homework: research a local or regional area experiencing desertification and write a short paragraph describing how both natural factors and human activities contribute to its aridity.