Firestorm

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book would make an interesting addition to any high school science unit exploring sustainability and the environment.  The topic of bottom trawling, by-catch and the destruction of sea floor ecosystems are key subjects in the story.  Students could investigate this area in more detail by examining the impacts of trawling on Canadian fish species like Atlantic Cod.  Schools near fishing communities could invite fishermen to speak to the class about trawling impacts.  A class could create a "sustainable seafood" marketing campaign that encourages their community to only purchase responsibly sourced fish and shellfish.

A class could also conduct a case study of one of the ecosystems mentioned in the book such as a salt marsh.  Research could include using aerial photos to document changes over time within a local area, measuring abiotic and biotic factors, and assessing current and future threats to the site.  The case study could then become the basis of an action project where students work in partnership with community based organizations to restore local habitat.