This lesson will give youth insight into how natural forest fires can increase biodiversity. Youth will learn that forest fires are natural and forests are well adapted in a variety of ways to deal with fires. Some species are even dependent on fires for their survival. That being said, not all fires are good including the fires used to deforest the Amazon. In the activities, youth will learn to design a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Youth will also analyze cones and seeds to discover what makes them well adapted for fires.
Science Venture is a network member organization of Actua. Actua provides training, resources and support to its national network of members located at universities and colleges across Canada in the delivery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education outreach programming. Each year, these members engage over 460,000 youth in 600 communities nationwide. Please visit Actua at www.actua.ca.