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Description
Climate change has caused increases in devastating wildfires that have decimated entire communities. However, Indigenous people have always understood that fire is a natural disturbance that supports ecological balance. This film explores how Parks Canada scientists are using traditional controlled burns to maintain the function, composition and structure of forest habitats in Banff National Park. As students watch the video they will understand the relationship between fire, ecosystem resilience and biodiversity, while also developing an awareness of how controlled fires are an important tool in helping to prevent the huge wildfires that only destroy everything in their path.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This resource supports Grade 6-9 Science units exploring the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and ecosystem resilience. Students also learn how the science of landscape ecology is used to manage and restore wildlife habitats. The relationship between traditional ecological knowledge and conventional science is an important aspect of the video that supports discussions related to First Nations culture and beliefs.
Indigenous communities respect fire and recognize it's value in maintaining the land. A class could invite a local Elder to speak to the school about the history and significance of cultural burning and deliver a smudging ceremony to honour local First Nations peoples.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
- Students investigate climate and describe the interactions between the Sun, water, air, and land.
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 9
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- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Core
- British Columbia
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- Grade 7
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- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
- Grade 9
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- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
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- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Scientific Literacy
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 9 Ecosystem Dynamics: Learning and Living Sustainably
- Science 9 Ecosystem Dynamics: Scientific Literacy
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Indigenous Languages and Cultures
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Dene Kede: The Land
- Grade 7
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- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
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- Indigenous Languages and Cultures
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Relationship to the Environment
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 10
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- Indigenous Languages and Cultures
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Relationship to the Environment
- Ontario
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Biodiversity
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- :Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 6
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Living Things
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 7
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 7: Earth and its climate have changed over geological time
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 9: The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them.
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)
- Climate Change
Ecosystems (1)
- Interdependence
Indigenous Knowledge (1)
- TEK -- Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Habitat Restoration
