Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this Science lesson, students revise their understanding of bushfires and the varying causes. The class builds upon this knowledge and refers to research and clips from ‘A Fire Inside’, to make connections between climate change, the rising intensity and frequency of bushfires in Australia. To show their understanding of how climate change exacerbates bushfires, students create presentations to communicate key information for young people in their communities.
Learning intentions:
- Students revise the causes of bushfires
- Students understand how climate change exacerbates bushfires
- Students can communicate this information effectively to others.
21st-century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Years 8 Science:
- Scientific knowledge has changed peoples’ understanding of the world and is refined as new evidence becomes available (ACSHE134)
- Communicate ideas, findings and evidence-based solutions to problems using scientific language, and representations, using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS148).
Syllabus outcomes: SC49-WS, SC415-LW
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability, Literacy, Personal and Social Capability.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Relevant parts of Year 8 Science achievement standards: Students use appropriate language and representations to communicate science ideas, methods and findings in a range of text types.
Topic: Climate change and the Australian bushfires
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: A Fire Inside: Feature Documentary Years 7 to 10.
Time required: 120 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and prompt students to make connections between A Fire Inside and how bushfires are caused.
Resources required:
- A device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Powerpoint presentation: A Fire Inside: How did climate change contribute to the Bushfires
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Keywords: Bushfires, climate change, science, dry, frequency, fuel, heat, oxygen, weather and winds, documentary, film.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
