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The Science of BushfiresAn Internet WebQuest on Science in the Bushcreated by UniServe Science |
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The Science of BushfiresAn Internet WebQuest on Science in the Bushcreated by UniServe Science |
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"A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the Internet." Bernie Dodge, 1997, Some Thoughts About WebQuestsThe Science of Bushfires WebQuest has been designed to be used in conjunction with Investigating Science in the Bush, the theme of National Science Week 2002.
While working through the WebQuest, students will access background information as well as some controversial views regarding bushfires and their effect on the Australian landscape and bushfire management in Australia.
The WebQuest provides the students with many web-based resources and an attempt has been made to provide alternate views on issues where appropriate. It is important that the students read the quotations in the introduction (links have been provided to read the quotation in the intended context) before considering this topic from their selected professional role. The remaining links are categorised into general background information, then links that relate to specific issues within the overall debate.
The web-based resources can be supplemented with books, CD-ROMs, videos and student generated materials such as interviews and surveys.
The material has been designed for use with students from Stage 3 (upper Primary) to Stage 5 (lower Secondary). In particular, the WebQuest addresses the content contained in the NSW Science Stages 4-5 Syllabus:
- page 30 (research how Aboriginal belief systems related to environmental management);
- page 30 (describe how the land management practices and techniques of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples have changed the environment);
- page 30 (discuss evidence for and against global warming to changes in weather patterns inlcuding El Niño and La Niña);
- page 30 5.10c (describe some impacts of human activities on ecosystems);
- page 30 5.10d (describe strategies used to balance human activities and needs in ecosystems with conserving, protecting and maintaining the quality of the environment);
- page 21 4/5.5b (evaluate the potential impact of some issues raised in the mass media that require some scientific understanding); and
- page 21 4/5.5d (identify possible career paths in science).
The aim of the WebQuest is to develop an understanding and appreciate the role scientists play in investigating the cause, nature and effect of bushfires and to produce a set of recommendations regarding the Bushfire Management in Australia and present the recommendations in written, electronic or oral format to other members of the class or school.
FireScience 1 - a set of laboratory activities have been prepared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The booklet was distributed to all NSW schools. Additional copies (including class sets) are available from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Contact details are available from their web site or by contacting the Community Education Service at 9864 4411.
Although designed in association with National Science Week 2002, the WebQuest will remain on the UniServe Science web site for future use and further development. Any comments are welcome.