Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.

Estimating Biomass Loss from a Large Fire: Student Activity

Provided by: My NASA Data |Published on: June 29, 2021

Activity - Classroom

6789101112

Synopsis

In this mini-lesson/activity, students measure the biomass loss from a large fire in Greece using satellite images to show the damaged areas.
Using a metric ruler, and metric conversion, students can estimate the percentage of the region lost to wildfires.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography, Mathematics

Authors: My NASA Data

Region: Europe, Global

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

This is a short activity that can be used as a warm-up, hook, or bellringer.
This activity allows students to practice math skills like measurement, percentages, and basic calculations.

Additional Prerequisites

Students will need metric rulers for this activity.
The Jamboard can be used virtually or printed to use as a worksheet.
Teachers can request access to the answer key via email.

Differentiation

This can be used as an individual or group activity.
Teachers can expand on this activity by having students research the forest fire that caused this destruction.
Some resources that connect forest fires and climate change include the lesson Analyzing the Rise of U.S. Wildfires, the article 6 Graphics Explain the Climate Feedback Loop Fueling U.S. Fires, and the Global Forest Watch Interactive Map.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

My NASA Data

NASA offers petabytes of global Earth science data collected from satellites, but accessing these data in a traditional (or virtual) science classroom can be tricky. Since 2004, My NASA Data has supported students and teachers of grades 3-12 in analyzing and interpreting NASA mission data.

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.