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Desert Hydrology

Desert Hydrology

Sky School's Desert Hydrology program immerses 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 apply what they learn towards becoming informed participants in shaping the future of water in their communities.

 

Hydro intensive

Program Overview

Desert Hydrology is a themed program investigating the science and management of one of the Southwest's most precious resources: water.

Available in three different formats—including single-day field courses, multi-day research experiences, and semester-long partnerships with local high schools—each version of the program examines water systems in the desert, how hydrologists track and monitor the health of those systems, and the applications of that science as it informs public policy and resource management. Students connect local water challenges in Arizona to broader issues of conservation and policy, empowering them to see themselves as informed participants in shaping the future of water in their communities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Desert Hydrology program, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the fundamentals of hydrology, including the movement, distribution, and management of water on Earth.

  2. Gain hands-on experience with tools and data collection methods used by hydrologists to study water systems and investigate real-world challenges.

  3. Carry out a real-life, inquiry-based hydrology research addressing local water issues.

  4. Identify career pathways in hydrology and water resource management.

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

Sabino Canyon 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

Mt. Lemmon Field Research

$525 per student
(Standard)

$440 per student
(Title I)

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

Semester Hybrid Course

$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 Field Research (4 day, 3 night)
    • Hydrology field methods
    • Group research projects
    • Water issues and policy
    • Careers in water

Request more info

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Fees include instruction and all curricular materials. 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.