After discussion teacher can show students, video embedded on the QUILLS website depicting Rick Beaver from Alderville Black Oak Savanna discussing the objectives and purpose of Black Oak Savanna\u2019s work using controlled burn fires to control the spread of invasive species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nActivity:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Western STEM Connection-Benefits of Fire: Heating with Wood<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Students examine Infographic titled the Benefits of Fire.pdf<\/a> <\/strong>that shows the salient points from the following STEM study:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Barto, D., Cziraky, J., Geerts, S., Hack, J., Langford, S., Nesbitt, R., Park, S., Willie, N., Xu, J., and Grogan, P.\u00a0 2009. An integrated analysis of the use of woodstoves to supplement fossil fuel-fired domestic heating. Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education<\/strong> 38: 87-92.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Teacher explains how the strategy of burning wood to supplement other home heating approaches is particularly important to consider given the large number of trees that are being cut down to restrict the spread of invasive species that are currently affecting forests (eg: emerald ash borer and harvesting of trees killed by diseases such as Dutch elm disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Also, mountain pine beetle affected forests in which much dead wood is being harvested and made into wood pellets out in B.C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- With teacher guidance students explore different methods used to heat homes (propane, natural gas furnaces, electric baseboards, wood burning etc.). Students compare benefits and drawbacks of each of these methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Students can also explore and discuss the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and analyze how to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness drawing on these different sources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n