The purpose of this project is to deepen students' understanding of the ecological role of fire in maintaining the health of California's giant sequoia groves, with a focus on Calaveras Big Trees State Park. By engaging in hands-on activities, virtual field trips, and discussions, students will learn how fire is a natural and essential component of these ecosystems. The project aims to shift students' perceptions of fire from a destructive force to a vital ecological process, highlighting the resilience and adaptation of giant sequoias. Through collaboration with park rangers and the creation of a public service announcement video, students will gain insights into fire management strategies and raise awareness about the ecological benefits of fire. This project fosters critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, while encouraging students to draw connections between ecological resilience and personal growth.

In this project, students will explore the ecological role of fire in maintaining the health and resilience of giant sequoia groves, with a focus on Calaveras Big Trees State Park. They will learn about the natural fire cycle and its importance in ecosystems, particularly for fire-adapted species like giant sequoias. Students will gain insights into fire management strategies and the adaptations that allow sequoias to thrive in fire-prone environments. Through hands-on activities, virtual field trips, and discussions, students will develop a deeper understanding of the balance between fire and forest ecology. They will also enhance their communication skills by creating a public service announcement video to educate others about the benefits of fire in these unique ecosystems.

In this project, students will create a public service announcement video that highlights the ecological benefits of fire in giant sequoia groves. The video will feature interviews with Calaveras Big Trees State Park rangers and incorporate student reflections on their learning journey. The goal is to raise awareness about the essential role of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems and to educate the community about fire management practices. Additionally, students will engage in a hands-on Sequoia Survival Challenge, where they will build model ecosystems to understand the impact of fire, and participate in a Virtual Wilderness Quest to deepen their knowledge of fire ecology. Through these activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of resilience and adaptation, both in nature and in their own lives.

To kick off the project with excitement and curiosity, begin with the Sequoia Survival Challenge. This hands-on activity will engage students by having them simulate the role of fire in a sequoia grove. Provide materials such as clay and paper for students to build model trees, and use red and orange tissue paper to represent fire. Students will observe and discuss how fire affects their model ecosystem, setting the stage for understanding the ecological role of fire in giant sequoia groves. Following this, launch the Virtual Wilderness Quest. This interactive scavenger hunt will have students explore Calaveras Big Trees State Park virtually, searching for clues and answering questions related to fire ecology. Using online resources and maps provided by park rangers, students will gain a foundational understanding of the park's unique ecosystem and the importance of fire, sparking their curiosity and setting the tone for the project.

To showcase the students' learning and the public service announcement video, organize a "Sequoia Fire Ecology Awareness Day" at the school. Invite parents, other classes, and community members, including the Calaveras Big Trees State Park Rangers, to attend. Set up stations where students can present their model ecosystems and explain the role of fire in sequoia groves. Screen the public service announcement video, followed by a Q&A session with students and park rangers. Encourage attendees to share the video on social media to broaden its reach and impact.