Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this Science lesson, students consider the relationship between bushfires, climate change and the four spheres. They are supported to consider the complexity of these relationships through scaffolded discussion and multimedia content. Students will have the opportunity to create a visual presentation that will aim to discuss and articulate their understanding of bushfires using visual conventions.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand the four spheres and their relationship to bushfires
- Students understand how climate change affects and is affected by, bushfires
- Students communicate their findings.
21st-century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Years 8 Science:
- Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (ACSSU189)
- Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations. (ACSIS208)
Syllabus outcomes: SC5-12ES, SC5-9WS
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 describe and analyse interactions and cycles within and between Earth’s spheres.
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 climate change and the four spheres are affected by the recent bushfires in Australia.
Resources required:
- A device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Post-it notes, whiteboard and markers
- PowerPoint presentation: A Fire Inside: The Four Spheres
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Keywords: Climate change, Australian bushfires, the sphere of influence, relationships.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
