Years 11 and 12

Managing fire in a fire-prone environment

Bushfires are inevitable in the fire-prone landscapes of Western Australia. Long dry summers, flammable vegetation and ignition from lightning or human causes mean that bushfires occur every summer. Engage in geographic fieldwork to investigate and assess fuel hazard risk and examine how this might impact the ecosystem and community. Compare the effects of fire on natural and managed areas, examine spatial and temporal patterns of distribution and consider how topography and land management affect fire behaviour. Discover the difference between bushfires and prescribed burning and why prescribed burns are critical for protecting life, property and the environment. 

Package

Pre-excursion workbook (completed in class): fire weather, fire behaviour, Fire Danger Ratings, mapping introduction

Excursion: field work, fire prediction mapping based on data and field maps from a recent local fire.

It is highly recommended that classes undertake the Fire geography package pre-excursion workbook before the excursion. The Pre-excursion workbook is designed to prepare the students for the fieldtrip by providing relevant information so we free up as much time as possible for hands-on fieldwork and the fire mapping exercise whilst on the excursion.

Curriculum links: Geography ATAR Unit 1 (SCSA, ACv9), Geography General Unit 3 (SCSA, ACv9) Cross-curricular and General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking (ACv9), Numeracy (ACv9), Personal and Social Capability (ACv9), Sustainability (ACv9) 

COST: $540 (inc GST), max 30 students (including extra pre-excursion lesson plan)

Duration: 4 hours, from 10am to 2pm including morning tea and lunch times.  Groups arrive at 10 am then have 15-20 minutes for morning tea, activities commence after morning tea. Finish times can be adjusted to your needs.

Venues:

• Perth Hills Discovery Centre, Mundaring
• Forest Discovery Centre, Dwellingup (depending on availability) 

Please note:

1. Maximum students per group is 30. Multiple groups can be accommodated.
2. Our booking officer will get back to you via email to confirm your excursion within 7 working days.
   

Click here for more information on planning your visit:

If you have any questions regarding this activity, please email us at n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au. You need to submit and online enquiry form for any program, no bookings will be taken via email or phone.