Wildfires Research Lesson
Created by Teacher(s): Lisa Colombo, Oregon Educators for Climate Education|Published on: May 30, 2023
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plan
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, English Language Arts
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Created by: Oregon Climate Education Hub teachers
Region: North America, USA - West, United States, Oregon
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
In this lesson, students learn how climate change is making wildfires worse in Oregon and across the globe and create a wildfire solution for prevention or preparation.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students brainstorm their relationship with fire, review data on wildfires in Oregon, and reflect on why wildfires are increasing in frequency in Oregon.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students watch two videos and make connections between climate change and wildfires.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students learn about climate refugees, research prevention and preparation strategies, and create a presentation to promote one of these strategies.
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Teacher Writer
Lisa Colombo
Lisa is a middle school teacher at Cottonwood School of Civics and Science.
Lisa is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in education and curriculum development. She was co-author of the civil rights curriculum, “Civil Rights and Civil Wrongs: The Black History of Portland, Oregon,” and has led several professional development workshops on teaching local history through primary source documents. She is passionate about promoting critical inquiry, place-based education, and never-ending curiosity. Lisa holds an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction and is currently a middle school teacher at The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science.
Bio from: https://www.ohs.org/blog/Lisa-Colombo.cfm
Lisa is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in education and curriculum development. She was co-author of the civil rights curriculum, “Civil Rights and Civil Wrongs: The Black History of Portland, Oregon,” and has led several professional development workshops on teaching local history through primary source documents. She is passionate about promoting critical inquiry, place-based education, and never-ending curiosity. Lisa holds an M.Ed in curriculum and instruction and is currently a middle school teacher at The Cottonwood School of Civics and Science.
Bio from: https://www.ohs.org/blog/Lisa-Colombo.cfm
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/
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →

