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Desert Hydrology

Investigate how water shapes life in the Arizona desert.

Sky School's Desert Hydrology programs immerse students in the science of water and water issues in the desert Southwest. Through hands-on field investigations alongside real-life hydrologists, students explore how water moves through watersheds, conduct their own hydrological research, and become informed participants in shaping the future of water in their communities.

 

Hydrology Measurements

Program Overview

Sky School's Desert Hydrology programs investigate the science and management of one of the Southwest's most precious resources: water.

Three different formats of the program are available: 

  1. Hydrology Field Course (1 day): A single-day option visiting a water site monitored by the US Geological Survey. Students learn about local watersheds, how hydrologists monitor these sites, and practice taking data measurements using authentic tools and methods.

  2. Hydrology Research Expedition (4-day, 3-night): An intensive research expedition on the summit of Mt. Lemmon. Guided by UA graduate instructors, students investigate hydrology in Southern Arizona's Sky Island mountain ranges, working in small groups to design and carry out their own hydrology research projects in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

  3. Hydrology Semester Program (Quarter / Semester): A hybrid program combining in-class instruction with UA graduate instructors, class trips to local hydrological field sites, and a 4-day research expedition to Mt. Lemmon. This most advanced option goes in depth with hydrology fundamentals, local issues and policy, careers in water, and hands-on field research.

Hydrology Field Course

$75 per student
(Standard)

$60 per student
(Title I)

  • Program length: 1 day
  • Suggested grades: 5th - 12th
  • Format: Single-day field trip at Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
  • Highlights:
    • Sabino Creek watershed exploration
    • Riparian ecosystem restoration
    • Water monitoring and hydrological measurements
    • Interaction with hydrologists from USGS and USFS

Hydrology Research Expedition

$490 per student
(Standard)

$400 per student
(Title I)

  • Program length: 4 days, 3 nights
  • Suggested grades: 9th - 12th
  • Format: Residential field research on Mt. Lemmon
  • Highlights:
    • Dormitory stays and meals provided at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter
    • Catalina Mountains watersheds exploration
    • Hydrology field methods
    • Group research projects

Hydrology Semester Program

$750 per student
(Standard)

$600 per student
(Title I)

  • Program length: Quarter or Semester
  • Suggested grades: 9th - 12th
  • Format: Hybrid combination of in-class instruction, local field trips, and residential research trip on Mt. Lemmon
  • Highlights:
    • Weekly/bi-weekly in-class sessions led by UA graduate instructors
    • Field trips to Sabino Canyon and Biosphere 2
    • Mt. Lemmon Research Expedition (4 day, 3 night)
    • Hydrology field methods
    • Group research projects
    • Water issues and policy
    • Careers in water

This course is developed by University of Arizona Sky School with support from University of Arizona Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences.

 

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Fees cover instruction, curricular materials, as well as accommodation and meals for overnight programs on Mt Lemmon. Additional meals and transportation must be provided by the school.

We charge fees that reflect approximately half of the actual cost of running programs. Through generous private donations we have limited scholarship funding available in cases of need. Please contact us at skyschool@arizona.edu for more information.