Authors:
Dave Schuller, MN Department of Natural Resources
Tom Eiber, MN Department of Natural Resources
Sara E. Damon, Stillwater Area High School
General overview
Grades: 10-12
Subject: Human Geography
Overview of unit
In this unit, students will investigate the causes and effects of urban/wildland interface wildfires and use EPIC 2001 to analyze a community for fire-prone property by conducting GIS and Ground Assessments and compiling a Community Report.
Suggested Time Allowance
| Lesson | Time allowance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 8-12 days |
| Causes and Effects of Wildfires | 1-2 days |
| Introduction to Firewise | 1 day |
| Introduction to GIS/EPIC 2001 | 1 day |
| GIS Assessment | 2-3 days |
| Ground Assessment | 1-5 days |
| Community Report | 2-3 days |
Suggested background knowledge
Introduction to GIS
Academic Content Standards
Human Geography (partial)
Resources/Materials
Curriculum packet, PCs, EPIC 2001, GPS receivers, Field Trip funds
Vocabulary
wildfire, mind map, land use, demographics, urban/wildland interface, urban sprawl, Smart Growth, Metropolitan Council, MUSA, Department of Natural Resources, Firewise, DOQ, GIS
Evaluation/Assessment
Wildfire Cause and Effect Mind Map
GIS Assessment
Ground Assessment
Community Report
Extension activities
Interdisciplinary Connections
Forestry, Urban Planning, Mathematics, Computer Technology, Communications, Firefighting