For general audiences
Drought Resource Community, American Water Works Association
This page is intended to keep the water industry in the know about tools, issues and developments related to drought and water shortages. Includes links to various response and contingency plans; volunteer groups; events; publications.
Drought Preparedness & Water Conservation
This website is from the American Red Cross, offering general drought information and water conservation tips.
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)
Non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools (such as the rain gauge pictured at left), stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive website, CoCoRaHS’ aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications. Goals include (1) providing accurate high-quality precipitation data on a timely basis; (2) increasing the density of precipitation data available throughout the country; (3) encouraging citizens to participate in meteorological science and heighten their awareness about weather; and (4) providing enrichment activities in water and weather for teachers, educators and the community at large.
Understanding Drought video/training
A 35-minute presentation including explanation of the main definitions of drought, measuring drought severity, indicators and monitoring, impacts and prediction. Developed for the National Weather Service through the National Drought Mitigation Center, NIDIS and NOAA.
Reducing the Impact of Disasters through Education
The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) drought page offers basic drought information and resource links as well as a program for leaders who want to bring a community together to assess drought impacts and explore actions to combat the drought. “Community Capacity-Building Program for Drought Response” is based on research and experience with community development and long-term recovery efforts in past disasters.
Links for students and teachers
Drought for Kids from the National Drought Mitigation Center
Comprehensive look at drought for younger readers. Topics include:
- What is drought?
- How does drought affect our lives?
- How do people study drought?
- How can we protect ourselves from drought?
- Glossary and resource list
Drought Info for Kids from the Delaware River Basin Commission
Another in-depth website on drought for younger readers, including:
- What is a drought?
- What can you do to save water during a drought?
- What about plants and wildlife during a drought?
- A word scramble game and more links to activities
National Geographic’s Encyclopedia on Drought
A thorough introduction to drought and its causes and impacts; historic droughts; and how drought are monitored and measured. With multi-media links to international maps, photographs, and other materials.
Project WET: Water Education for Teachers
Water resource education materials that promote awareness of water and support community action to solve complex water issues.
EarthLabs Drought unit
A lesson plan for teaching or learning drought science through data analysis activities, satellite imagery and computer visualizations, and hands-on experiments that illustrate processes of Earth.
Drought Beyond Borders lesson plan
Bilingual lesson plan (pdf format) adaptable for 4th-8th grade, with a goal of exploring the concept of drought and climate variability and examining the social and environmental consequences of drought. Interactive lessons emphasize questions, discussions, group work, and problem solving. Geared toward students who live in Southern Arizona and northern Sonora, with case studies specific to the Santa Cruz watershed.
Understanding Water Budgets and Balances
A lesson in evapotranspiration and managing water supplies, geared toward Colorado’s Front Range communities. Sponsored by the Boulder Area Sustainability Information Network, with more hydrological activities geared toward primary and secondary students here.
Other resources
- The Digital Library of Earth Science Education maintains several collections, including the Digital Water Education Library, which can be searched by terms such as "drought," "climate," or "seasonal." Searches can be refined by grade level and other criteria.
- EduScapes has created a collection of links on drought and drought education. Use the search tool to locate resources.