Grade Level

Secondary

Time Required

60 to 75 minutes

Curriculum Connection

Ontario, Grade 11 Physical Geography

Link to Canadian National Geography Standards

Essential Element #5 – Environment and Society

• global effects of human modification of the physical environment

Geographic Skill #1 – Asking Geographic Questions

• pose a hypothesis and identify data sources

Geographic Skill #4 – Analyzing Geographic Information

• make inferences and draw conclusions from maps and other geographic representations

Atlas of Canada Resources

Go to the Atlas of Canada Web site found at: atlas.gc.ca The following parts of the Web site will be accessed by students during the lesson:

• Explore Our Maps

Environment » Forest Fires » Forest Fires Hotspots, 2003 Map

Environment » Forest Fires » Forest Fires Hotspots, 2004 Map

Climate Change » Potential Impacts » Forest Fire Severity Level, 1980 to 1989 Map

Climate Change » Potential Impacts » Projected Forest Fire Severity Level, 2050 to 2059 Map

Climate Change » Potential Impacts » Projected Forest Fire Severity Level, 2090 to 2099 Map

Climate Change » Climate Warming » National Summer Temperature Scenario 2050 Map

Climate Change » Climate Warming » National Summer Precipitation Scenario 2050 Map

Climate Change » Stress to the Atmosphere » Trends in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 1998 to 2010 Map

Additional Resources, Materials and Equipment

• computer lab with Internet access and printer
• student worksheet, Forest Fire Hazard and Climate Change

Main Objective

The primary goal of this lesson is to reinforce the impact of global climate change upon our nation. Students will be encouraged to think about a hot hazard and the impacts upon their local and national environment in order to determine the scope of the hazard upon people.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson the students will be able to:

• identify current sensitive forest fire regions in Canada
• predict the spread of forest fire sensitive zones due to global climate change
• identify the carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the main cause for a rise in sea level in sensitive areas
• determine social, economic and environmental consequences of a forest fire
• assess the situation and determine potential solutions to avoid this hazard

Introduction

Teacher Activity

• This lesson is designed to conclude an introduction to the causes and concerns of global climate change. Students should also be familiar with the climate controls in order to answer one element of the worksheet.
• Determine the level of familiarity of recent forest fire events and the severity of such hazards.
• Distribute a newspaper article such as this one found at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Web site: www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/fightingfires/

Student Activity

• Respond to teacher questions.
• Read an article from the newspaper (aloud) regarding the forest fires that raged in Canada’s west during the summer of 2003.
• Generally discuss the impacts as a class.

Lesson Development

Teacher Activity

• Introduce students to the Atlas of Canada.
• Modify the worksheet by deleting some or all red text to suit the skill level of the students.

Student Activity

• Students follow the instructions on the worksheet.

Conclusion

Teacher Activity

• Go over the answers with the class.

Student Activity

• Answer the questions on the worksheet.

The student worksheet is printed separately for distribution to students.

• Student Worksheet – Forest Fire Hazard and Climate Change

Students create a press release document outlining the concerns addressed in class. The press release should include a series of maps detailing the increase in forest fire sensitive areas and the potential solutions necessary to combat the trend. The goal of the press release is to inform the public of the situation and encourage environmentally safe practice. Students should draw inspiration and information from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news links used earlier in the lesson.

Evaluate the press release document using a modified rubric such as the sample below.

[D]
Click for more information, 8 KB
Press Release Chart

• PDF version (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)