Teaching Tips

• Educators may need to discuss the nature of the Palmer Drought Index if students are going to analyze maps.
• Resource best used within the context of exploring a specific problem or issue with regard to drought.

About the Content

• This is a section of the National Integrated Drought Information System website that provides maps, data and tools for accessing information on a variety of topics (current conditions, outlooks and forecasts, paleoclimate) related to drought.
• All data is updated every month and 3- and 6-month predictions are supplied for every region in the US.
• Comments from expert scientist:
  Scientific strengths:
  - Provides a plethora of data, graphics and information for most aspects of climate change from paleoclimate to the affects on agriculture to soil moisture
  - Wide variety of temporal and spatial data options

About the Pedagogy

• A comprehensive collection of maps, data, and tools for students to use in examining drought and its effects in their region and state.
• Not designed as a learning tool but rather a comprehensive source of information regarding drought. Basic directions provided for navigating the various topics presented in the site.

• This resource engages students in using scientific data.
  See other data-rich activities

Technical Details/Ease of Use

• Mostly free of scientific jargon, a student-friendly site.
• Keys to maps are clear and easy to read. Maps can be magnified for easier viewing.
• Site easy to navigate, especially if user has a particular question or issue in mind to guide navigation.