7.3 Desert: Survival Strategies

The desert can be a dangerous environment. The sun is hot in the sky and the air can feel like an oven.  And — most importantly — there is little water. You could die in only a few days. But here is a survival strategy to create water:

1. Dig a hole in a bright sunny spot. The hole should be about 3 feet deep and 4 feet wide.

2. Place a cup at the bottom.

3. Put a plastic bag over the hole. 

Put rocks on the edges to protect it from wind.

4. Place a small rock in the middle of the plastic so that the plastic bag is pushed down a little. Don’t let the plastic bag touch the cup. It should be a few inches above the cup.

5. Put sand and rocks over the edges of the plastic bag, so that no moisture can get out.

6. The sun will draw moisture out of the soil. This moisture will stay under your plastic bag, and drip into your cup.

But remember! This survival strategy should only be for emergencies. Always carry plenty of water in the desert!