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Procedure: (to be completed after first viewing of video)

    Glossary: locate the following words in your glossary and check them off.
    ecosystem nutrients
    erosion prescribed burn
    fire resistant sustainable forest
    fire dependent spacing
    thinning

  1. Discuss the following ideas within your group:
    • What do the terms "controlled burn" and "uncontrolled burn" mean?
    • What are some of the positive effects of a controlled burn?
    • What are some of the negative effects of a controlled burn?
    • What are some of the positive effects of an uncontrolled burn?
    • What are some of the negative effects of an uncontrolled burn?

  2. Watch the video a second time keeping in mind the discussion you just had and see if you can come up with more positive and negative effects.

  3. Write a short essay on fire
    There should be one paragraph that tells what a controlled burn is and lists some of the positive and negative effects that result from a controlled burn. A second paragraph should tell what an uncontrolled burn is and what positive and negative results can occur. A third paragraph should give your views on whether forest companies should use controlled burn as part of their management of the forest. (Be sure to give reasons for your point of view).
Extensions:
  • Have students write down anything they learned about the forest from the video.
  • Illustrate the changes in the forest from past to present or make a sequence diagram showing: a) before a fire b) immediately after a fire c) a few years later.
Closure:
  • Students could share their essays with their group or later with the class.




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