Estimating Biomass Loss from a Large Fire: Student Activity
Activity - Classroom
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Geography, Mathematics
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by My NASA Data
What it is
- 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.
Teaching tips
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.
From the scientist review
This resource guides students to estimate and measure biomass loss from forest fire events. There is no contradiction in the NASA data and imageries. Hence, the resource is recommended for teaching.
How we review resourcesReady to use it?
Hosted on mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.

