Hatta Environmental Award

Categories: Hatta Outdoor Education

About Course

🎯 Course Overview

This course introduces students to the natural environment of Hatta and the surrounding Hajar Mountains. It explores geological, geographical, biological, and climatic systems, as well as the historical and sustainable development of this unique region in the UAE.

Course Content

Introduction to the Environment of Hatta
Objective: Build foundational understanding of environmental science and Hatta’s natural context. Topics: What is environmental science? Overview of the Hatta region Importance of studying local ecosystems Ecosystem services in arid mountain environments Activities: Class discussion: “Why is Hatta important environmentally?” Visual map tour of Hatta’s landscapes (Google Earth) Environment observation journal Assessment: Quiz + reflective writing on personal connection to Hatta's environment

Geology of the Hajar Mountains
Objective: Understand the rock formations, geological history, and tectonic setting. Topics: Plate tectonics and the formation of the Hajar range Common rocks: ophiolite complexes, limestone, igneous rocks Erosion and sedimentation processes Fossils and geologic time Activities: Rock identification lab Field trip to visible formations near Hatta Sketching geological cross-sections Assessment: Rock report + fieldwork observation notes

Geography and Landscape of Hatta
Objective: Analyze the physical and human geography of Hatta. Topics: Physical geography: mountains, wadis, valleys, and dams Human settlements and land use Water bodies and the Hatta Dam Natural vs. built environments Activities: Map work (topographic and satellite maps) Landscape classification exercise Create a geographic profile of Hatta Assessment: Student-designed annotated map of Hatta

Flora of the Region
Objective: Identify key native plants and animals and their roles in the ecosystem. Topics: Adaptations of desert flora (ghaf tree, acacia, etc.) Native and migratory wildlife (e.g. Arabian tahr, foxes, birds) Food chains and biodiversity Human impact on native species Activities: Guided nature walk and species identification Create a “species profile” poster or digital presentation Build a local food web Assessment: Plant/animal ID quiz + species report

Fauna of the Region
Objective: Identify key native plants and animals and their roles in the ecosystem. Topics: Adaptations of desert flora (ghaf tree, acacia, etc.) Native and migratory wildlife (e.g. Arabian tahr, foxes, birds) Food chains and biodiversity Human impact on native species Activities: Guided nature walk and species identification Create a “species profile” poster or digital presentation Build a local food web Assessment: Plant/animal ID quiz + species report

Weather and Climate in Hatta
Objective: Learn about weather patterns and climate systems specific to arid mountain regions. Topics: Microclimates in mountainous desert regions Rainfall patterns, temperature ranges, seasonal variation Flash floods and wadi behavior Climate change impact on arid zones Activities: Weather data tracking and graphing Compare climate of Hatta with other UAE regions Forecasting project or presentation Assessment: Climate profile report for Hatta

Sustainability and Human Impact
Objective: Understand current sustainability challenges and initiatives in the Hatta region. Topics: Water scarcity and conservation (e.g. dams, desalination) Renewable energy projects (e.g. Hatta hydroelectric plant) Waste, tourism, and pollution management Ecotourism and sustainable development Activities: Case study analysis: DEWA’s Hydroelectric Project Design a sustainable tourism plan Debate: “Can tourism and conservation coexist?” Assessment: Group presentation on a sustainable solution

History and Human Relationship with the Hajar Mountains
Objective: Explore the cultural and historical ties between local people and the mountains. Topics: Early settlements and agriculture in Hatta Traditional falaj irrigation systems Hatta heritage village and mountain farming Modern development and conservation efforts Activities: Oral history interview (if possible) Virtual or physical visit to the Hatta Heritage Village Timeline project: Human and environmental interaction over time Assessment: Heritage report or creative story based on historical interaction with the land

Hatta Environmental Award

About Course

🎯 Course Overview

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