Bushfires
in NSW

STAGE 3 TEACHER RESOURCE
Years 5-6

Bushfire burning in a national park at night. Credit: Michael Jarman/DPIE

< Back to NSW National Parks Education learning resources

Bushfires in New South Wales (NSW) are a common occurrence, part of the environment’s natural cycle of change. Many of our native plants and animals have developed special features to cope with bushfires – and some even rely on fire for survival. Yet when bushfires become too frequent and too intense, they can have devastating impacts on people and places.

This resource investigates the good and the bad of bushfires, including what they are, what makes them occur and how we manage them in NSW. It also features a case study on the 2019/20 bushfires, discussing the unusual conditions of the season and prevention strategies for the future.

Complete the whole unit, a single topic or selection of activities to support your work in the classroom.

Acknowledging Country

Acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands of Australia through a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful way to start the day or a staff meeting.

Try practising the following tips with your class to increase understanding of and respect for Aboriginal culture.

Start the day with a Welcome to or Acknowledgement of Country. This site has a handy checklist and helpful hints to guide you.
Talk with your students openly about the need to understand and learn from traditional custodians – and discuss common misconceptions.

Please remember only First Nations people can interpret their own culture. All cultural content in this learning unit has been developed by NPWS First Nations staff and should not be altered.

Aboriginal hand stencils on a rock face in Yengo National Park. Credit: Jessica Herder/DPIE

Yengo National Park is home to many important Aboriginal cultural sites

Syllabus alignment

GE3-2
GE3-3
GE3-4

Geography: Factors that shape places

Students explore the impact bushfires have on Australian people, places and environments and propose ways people can reduce the impact of bushfires in the future.

Inquiry questions

What are some of the different ways bushfire hazards impact people and places?
How do bushfire hazards influence places and the management of spaces within them?
How can the impact of bushfires on people and places be reduced?

ST3-4LW-S

Science and Technology: Living world

Students look at the growth and survival of living things and how their adaptations over time suit their environment.

Inquiry questions

How do physical conditions during bushfire hazards affect the survival of living things?
How do the structural and behavioural features of living things support survival when subjected to bushfire conditions?