Beyond the Bushfires - Being A Fire Scientist

Australian Curriculum content descriptions: 

Year 7 Science:

• People use science understanding and skills in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity (ACSHE121)
• Communicate ideas, findings and evidence-based solutions to problems using scientific language, and representations, using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS133)

Year 9 Science:

• People use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they accept claims, explanations or predictions, and advances in science can affect people’s lives, including generating new career opportunities (ACSHE160)
• Communicate scientific ideas and information for a particular purpose, including constructing evidence-based arguments and using appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations (ACSIS174)

Syllabus outcomes: SC4-13ES, SC5-13ES, SC5-9WS

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.7

Relevant parts of Year 7 Science achievement standards: Students describe situations where scientific knowledge from different science disciplines and diverse cultures has been used to solve a real-world problem. They communicate their ideas, methods and findings using scientific language and appropriate representations.

Relevant parts of Year 9 Science achievement standards: Students predict how future applications of science and technology may affect people’s lives. Students use appropriate language and representations when communicating their findings and ideas to specific audiences.

This lesson is part of the wider unit of work Beyond the Bushfires – Secondary

Time required: 70 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion

• Devices with internet access for students (to access the Flora, Fauna and Fire resource)
• Interview Questions – printed double-sided, one copy for each student
• Letter writing tips
• Student Worksheets – one copy per student

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Initiative
• Collaboration

In partnership with The Conversation, the Beyond the Bushfires series brings the words of scientists who are actively involved in research and science communication into classrooms throughout Australia. Students will explore evidence-based research embedded in the context of real-world practice.

Additional thanks to the Ian Potter Foundation, John T Reid Charitable Trusts and The Myer Foundation, for generously supporting the development of these lessons.