Wildfires and Environmental Justice Lesson

Created by Teacher(s): Beth Oehler, Oregon Educators for Climate Education|Published on: June 1, 2023
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plan
Subjects: Geography
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Created by: Oregon Climate Education Hub teachers
Region: North America, USA - West, United States, Oregon
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Posted on Jun 01, 2023

Synopsis

In this lesson, students will examine the 2020 Almeda Fire in Oregon and explore the disproportionate impacts of wildfires.

Step 1 - Inquire: Students discuss wildfires, wildfire impacts, and climate emotions and explore a wildfire simulator.

Step 2 - Investigate: Students learn about the connection between climate change and wildfires and examine the Almeda Fire by watching a video, reading an article, and answering comprehension questions.

Step 3 - Inspire: Students choose from a menu of action-oriented options to demonstrate their knowledge of wildfires and their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
Share: This lesson plan is licensed under Creative Commons.Creative Commons License
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Beth Oehler

Having been a teacher at AMS for 28 years, Beth Oehler may very well be the longest-tenured member of the Ashland Middle School staff. Hired right out of SOU’s teaching program in 1995 by then-principal Dale Rooklyn, Beth has been a  Math, Science, and/or Social Science teacher ever since. In answer to the question of what gets her out of bed every morning, she says, “I get a lot of energy from the kids, and I enjoy having fun with them. I am inspired by working with future change-makers who will solve problems and make positive change in the world.”

Back in 1995, AMS had 900 students in just one building; the big gym and the 7th/8th grade building didn’t exist yet. Currently, Beth is teaching 6th grade Science and Social Studies on the Cascades team in the newly constructed 6th grade wing. About her new classroom at AMS, Beth says, “I love my large, bright space with lots of storage. I have the ability to set up a lab and teach in the same classroom. It’s fantastic!”

An animal lover, Beth fosters kittens for the Animal Shelter and has a faithful dog companion, Journey. In addition to animals, her other love is travelling; she has travelled to 6 continents and all 50 states, but her favorite is still Oregon.

Bio from: https://www.ashland.k12.or.us/o/ams/article/932750

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Oregon Educators for Climate Education

Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) is a statewide group of educators working toward Oregon legislation that would mandate the integration and infusion of climate change for PK-12 education across all core subject areas.

Our steering committee is comprised of current and retired K-12 educators, as well as high school students. While most of us reside and work in the Willamette Valley, we are seeking connection and input from stakeholders from regions across Oregon. We are inclusive and invite diverse voices to join us!

Website: https://www.oregonclimateed.org/

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