Teaching Climate Science Principles: Wildfire | CEEE

Teaching Climate Science Principles: Wildfire This resource features a sequence of CEEE lessons that use the phenomenon of drought to explore the question, "What are the local and national impacts of wildfire how do we build resiliency?" Context for Use Symptoms of climate change are all around us. Using local data and examples of wildfires is an effective way to teach that the impacts of climate change are affecting our communities now. Through this sequence of lessons, students will gain a deep understanding of how wildfires have had a profound effect on people and ecosystems. The lesson 'Emotions Wheel' helps students identify and reflect upon their diverse emotions about climate topics such as wildfire. The role-playing 'Resilience Wildfire Game' and closure activity help students see themselves as citizens who can take positive actions in their community to reduce the impacts of wildfire, leaving students feeling inspired. Additional strategies for teaching climate impacts the  Spanish-language version of this Principle  are found on the CLEAN website . Satellite image of the 2018 Camp Fire in California. Program Teaching Climate Science Principles Resource Type Unit Topics Climate Change Published Date September 5, 2024 Goals Header Learning Goals Essential Principle 7: Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western United States during the last two decades. Wildfires require the alignment of a number of factors, including temperature, humidity, and the lack of moisture in fuels, such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and forest debris. All these factors have strong direct or indirect ties to climate variability and climate change. Teaching Materials Sequence - Teaching Climate Through Wildfire Teacher Guide Description Full Wildfire Sequence A full guide to navigating these lessons including transitioning between them. Lesson 1 - The Emotion Wheels Students identify, share, and reflect upon the range of emotions they have about climate topics such as wildfires. Lesson 2 - Megafires: Rare Occurrences or the New Normal? Students analyze and interpret data to evaluate how and why the number of megafires across the United States has changed over time. Lesson 3 - Adapting to Extremes: Exploring the Science of Wildfire in Colorado Students analyze wildfire data to identify patterns of wildfire history and risk in Colorado. Lesson 4 - Wildfire Resilience Game Students evaluate information on wildfire risk to appropriately use community resources to respond to a wildfire in their community by assessing the causes and effects of a wildfire occurring in their hometown. Lesson 5 - Closure Activity Students construct a social media post, including a photo and a short description to promote a wildfire resilience strategy you plan to implement in your community. Similar Resources A Changing Arctic Ecosystem Exploring the New and Old Arctic Unit 1 Drifting North Polar Planetarium From Greenland to our Coasts: Exploring Sea Level Change with QGreenland Teaching Climate Science Concepts: Drought Arctic Climate Connections PolarPASS Module 1: Exploring the Glacier Basin System Right Here Right Now: Solutions Educator Guide