Fires burn thousands of acres in Alaska each year. Because fires affect
all Alaskans, it is important that everyone understands the "Role
of Fire in Alaska." Fires caused by lightning are a natural part
of the boreal forest and tundra ecosystems. They help maintain a diversity
of vegetation ages and types, providing habitat for a greater abundance
and diversity of wildlife. On the other hand, fires caused by careless
humans can have an adverse effect.
This curriculum has been developed to help teach Alaskans about the
role of fire in the boreal forest and tundra ecosystems. Although these
two ecosystems are treated as separate units, it is important to emphasize
that forest and tundra areas are often found mixed together throughout
the state.
This curriculum contains three different sections. They each contain
lesson plans and background information on both tundra and boreal forest
ecosystems. They are arranged as follows:
A glossary, literature, related links, and Alaska State Content Standards
are provided, and can be accessed from the left side of your web screen
or at the end of the printed document.
This curriculum was revised from the 1992 "Role of Fire in Alaska"
curriculum to provide additional information for teachers. The curriculum
borrows ideas and teaching techniques from many sources, such as the
Alaska Wildlife Curricula. Each lesson now identifies the Alaska State
Content Standards that are addressed, and provides grade levels, skills,
setting, the duration of exercise, group size, and vocabulary.
Reference material for this curriculum are generally included within
this website. However, a box of reference materials can be borrowed
from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Please contact your nearest National
Wildlife Refuge System office for information or call the Alaska Resource
Library and Information Service (ARLIS) at 907-272-7547.
The State of Alaska Education Standards have been updated. We will update them in this curricula in the near future.
Acknowledgements
This revised curriculum still contains most of the content and lessons
developed from the original curriculum. Janet Ady, Beverly Farfan, Heather
Johnson, Pam Nelson, Sue Quinlan, Karen McKibbin, Cathy Rezabeck were
the original authors and editors. They deserve credit for their work
in developing a comprehensive curriculum. This revision could not have
been completed without the support of Larry Vanderlinden and the editing
work of Jennifer Coggins, Mary Timm, Karen Murphy and others. Harvey
Heffernan, Lynette Nakazawa and Janna Taylor helped create the maps
that appear in this curriculum. Kathy Sarns Irwin revised the artwork
and Rose Primmer completed the layout, design and made the curriculum
website compatible.
Last updated: August 27, 2008
