What types of natural processes (e.g., soil enhancement, erosion, disease control) are associated with forest fires?
• Have students create charts to describe factors that influence fire behaviour. Suggest that they also include information on the impact of factors such as fire size, intensity, and duration. Allow students to check and assess their own understanding by: • meeting in small groups to compare and discuss answers • comparing their work to a model • Provide students with case studies of forest fires. Have them analyse the causes of the fires and suggest how the fires could have been prevented or their impact reduced. As students respond, look for evidence that they are aware of: • factors that create and influence fire behaviour • fire control and suppression techniques, terminology, and technology • how to select and plan forest management strategies to reduce the risk of unwanted forest fires • Conduct a field trip focussing on the causes and effects of fires. Collect and review students’ field notes to look for evidence that they are able to: • make accurate and insightful observations
