Protect the Saguaro Cactus

As part of our study of the desert ecosystem, students were challenged to build a model of a Saguaro cactus. Their job was to find a way to protect the water inside their cactus (water balloon) and to protect the cactus itself from the threat of animals.

Once their models were constructed, teams traded them. They had three minutes to take on the role of Gila Woodpeckers, using toothpicks to puncture the stem/trunk. If they were lucky enough to pop the water balloon, they could drill further with a pipette and remove as much water as possible. Students also made fun signs, saying, “Keep out!”