Fire in Pacific Northwest Ecosystems
version 1.0/1999
Curriculum for grades 7-12
Summary:
This curriculum was developed to address concerns about the role of fire in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. This curriculum contains four sections that build upon each other. Lessons are written so they can be used independently. The publication may be downloaded by section, or in its entirety, from the table of contents page.
Caution:
Fire is a very interesting topic to study. There is a natural draw, a fascination to the wonder and power of fire, that all humans share. The caution comes with the responsibility in teaching students not to play with fire, but to learn to respect it, and to learn how fire works in the environment. Students need to understand that fire prevention is also just as important. Do not bring out the pyromaniac in students. This can happen by glorifying fire and the damage it can cause. Teach students to respect fire, and understand that the loss of property and life is a real threat. Fire prevention lessons help to control pyromania. When obtaining videos and materials for lessons, make sure they do not glorify the power of fire. There are many good videos available from agencies such as the Oregon Department of Forestry and Washington Department of Natural Resources. However, these videos are often used for professional training, so make sure they are appropriate for students, too.
Why Fire? Why Now?
Agencies around the Northwest constantly receive requests for education/information on fire, especially at the end of a big fire season or when a fire affects a local community. In responding to these requests, it became apparent there was a need for classroom material that specifically addresses the role of fire. There are other curricula that address forest ecosystems (e.g. Forests of Washington, Oregon Forestry Education Project, Project Learning Tree), but they do not provide detailed information on fire. Thus, this curriculum was developed to focus on the role of fire in the ecosystem.
