This activity is appropriate for grades 3 through 12, and allows students to explore how wildfire affects plant communities and erosion processes in a Montane ecosystem.
Objectives:
Students will:
- Describe and evaluate the positive and negative effects catastrophic and prescribed or low intensity fires have on plant communities in a Montane ecosystem
- Estimate the percent of bare dirt and its effects on erosion and sediment movement
- Compare a non-managed forest with a burned forest
Time Required:
Full day in the field, 45 to 60 minutes per site, plus transportation to site.
Two or three 45-minute classroom sessions.