Living With Fire Wildfire Science Curriculum
This curriculum is designed to help Nevada youth understand the role of wildfire in Nevada ecosystems and learn how to reduce their household’s wildfire risk. These materials are the result of an extensive stakeholder engagement process with over 160 different teachers, scientists, tribal members and fire professionals across Nevada and the western United States. Each unit below uses compelling Nevada-specific examples to meet several Next Generation Science Standards. Throughout these lessons, students will gain exposure to current scientific research, career opportunities and engaging hands-on activities that help them be better prepared to live with fire.
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High School Biology
Six 45-minute periods that cover carrying capacity, biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and a scenario where students apply these concepts to increase the wildfire resilience of a Nevada community.
High School Earth Science
Five 45-minute periods where students use climate projections to make predictions about future wildfire and design a lab investigation to test the ways wildfire severity impacts erosion and landslides.
Contributing Authors
Spencer Eusden, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Christina Restaino, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Megan Kay, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
CJ Ajir, AmeriCorps Service Member
Additional Free Wildfire Curriculum Resources
U.S. Forest Service FireWorks Curriculum
Oregon State University Extension Service Trauma-Informed Teacher Toolkit
Desert Research Institute Project Ashfall Middle School Wildfire Science Lessons
Pyrosketchology An Illustrated Guide to Nature Journaling about the Fire Environment