Climate Change SHE Task

Year Level: 9
Subject: Science
Topic
Earth and Space Science
Task Purpose
To investigate how First Nations Australians are reducing Australia’s greenhouse
gas emissions through the reinstatement of traditional fire management regimes
Description of Assessment
Individual Report
Process
Students will be provided with texts about Cultural burning and will discuss in
discuss these in class time. Class and homework time will be provided to write a
letter to a local council member. 2 weeks will be allocated for this task.
Performance Standards Assessed
SC1, SC2, SC3, CA4
Submission Information
Typed Report to be submitted to SEQTA and Turnitin (word limit 800)
Performance
A B C D E
Standard

Demonstrates some
Demonstrates a deep Demonstrates
depth and breadth of Demonstrates some Demonstrates limited
and broad knowledge knowledge and
S Knowledge & knowledge and basic knowledge and recognition and
C1 Understanding
and understanding of understanding of a
understanding of a partial understanding awareness of
a range of scientific general range of
range of scientific of scientific concepts. scientific concepts.
concepts. scientific concepts.
concepts.
Uses generally
Uses appropriate
Uses appropriate appropriate scientific Attempts to use some
scientific terms and Uses some scientific
S Science scientific terms and terms and scientific terms and
conventions terms or conventions.
C2 terminology conventions highly conventions, with conventions that may
effectively.
Science Communication

effectively. some general be appropriate.

effectiveness.
Critically and
logically selects and Logically selects and Selects with some Selects and may
consistently and appropriately focus, and mostly partly acknowledge Identifies a source of
S
appropriately acknowledges appropriately one or more sources information about
C Use of Resources
3 acknowledges information about acknowledges, of information about science
information about science from different information about science.
science from a range sources. science.
of sources.

Critically explores Logically explores Explores and Partially explores and Attempts to explore
C Science as a and understands in and understands in understands aspects of recognises aspects of and identify an aspect
A Human depth the interaction some depth the the interaction the interaction of the interaction
4 Endeavour between science and interaction between between science and between science and between science and
society. science and society. society. society. society.
 Climate Change SHE Task
Summative Task – to be completed individually.

Write a letter to your local council member to argue that we should be using Cultural burning practices to reduce the
emission greenhouse gases and combat global warming.

Your letter will need to include the following information:

Paragraph 1 (~50 words)

Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing this letter.

Paragraph 2 (~250 words)

Explain the science to the reader behind why Cultural burning practices are needed. You will need to include
information about:
- Greenhouse gases
- The greenhouse effect
- The enhanced greenhouse effect
- Cultural burning
- Wildfires and their environmental impact

Paragraph 3 (~200 words each)

Provide evidence of the benefit that Cultural burning practices would have on society e.g. environmental,
economic, health impacts. This should be written using the TEEL structure.

T – Topic sentence which introduces one benefit of cultural burning practices linked to reduction of GHG
emissions
E – Evidence of this benefit – include statistics from articles or further research.
E – Elaboration – explain how this would have an impact on society.
L – Link to the focus of the letter to argue that these burning practices should be used.

Paragraph 4 (~200 words each)

Provide evidence of the benefit that Cultural burning practices would have on society e.g. environmental,
economic, health impacts. This should be written using the TEEL structure.

T – Topic sentence which introduces another benefit of cultural burning practices

E – Evidence of this benefit – include statistics from articles or further research.
E – Elaboration – explain how this would have an impact on society.
L – Link to the focus of the letter to argue that these burning practices should be used.

Paragraph 5 (~100 words)

Summarise the benefit of Cultural burning practices and why it should be used in South Australia.

Word Count: 800 words

Referencing: In-text referencing and a bibliography should be included.

PLANNING SHEET TOTAL WORDS = 800
Paragraph 1 (~50 words) Dear Tom Koutsantonis,
My name is Dallas Ha a year 9 from the Nazareth
Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing this Catholic College of the Flinders Park Campus. I’ve
letter. written this letter for you today to explain the
benefits of Cultural burning and the reason why we
as a community should adopt and expand this
practice to fight against enhanced greenhouse
effects and global warming.
Paragraph 2 (~250 words) Cultural burning is a traditional practice performed
by Indigenous communities, such as the Aboriginal
Explain the science to the reader behind why Cultural people, to skilfully burn the land, promote
burning practices are needed. You will need to include regeneration, and reduce the occurrence of
information about:
wildfires. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in
- Greenhouse gases
the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide, is
- The greenhouse effect
primarily attributed to human activities such as the
- The enhanced greenhouse effect burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial
- Cultural burning processes. But in this instants the vegetation that is
- Wildfires and their environmental impact being burned releases carbon dioxide. The
technique used isn’t just mindlessly lighting up the
vegetation, cultural burning refers to the intentional
use of controlled fires by Indigenous communities
as a land management tool. From this process they
are able to control how much of the cultural burning
contributes to the greenhouse effect.
The Greenhouse effect is a natural process that
occurs on the earth where certain gases in the
atmosphere traps heat from the sun, in the form of
short-wave and long-wave radiation. When the
effects of greenhouse gases increase, this is called
“enhanced greenhouse effect”. The enhanced
greenhouse effect is the process of the greenhouse
effect increasing the chemicals being emitted out
into the Earth’s atmosphere and not releasing
enough of the increased chemicals out of the
atmosphere fast enough than what is being emitted
causing the Earths average surface temperature to
rise. When the Earths average surface temperature
rises this progression is called ‘Global Warming’
which is a worldwide problem. The enhanced
greenhouse effect, specifically caused by the
increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the
Earth's atmosphere, can contribute to the occurrence
and intensity of wildfires. While itis important to
note that wildfires can have multiple causes and are
influenced by numerous factors. The enhanced
greenhouse effect can exacerbate certain conditions
that contribute to wildfire risks. The enhanced
greenhouse effect can be a problem as research
shows that increase in the Earth’s surface
temperature creates warmer and drier conditions.
There are increased chances of droughts occurring,
and a longer fire season boosts the risks of wildfires
(Wildfires and Climate Change 2022). Cultural
 burning, also known as Indigenous or traditional
ecological burning, refers to a land management
practice that involves controlled and intentional
burning of vegetation for various purposes,
including for ecological and cultural reasons. It is
an ancient practice that has been conducted by
Indigenous communities around the world for
thousands of years. By practicing this method, it
would significantly decrease the risk of wildfires, as
it reduces fuel load and firebreak creation.

Paragraph 3 (~200 words each) The implementation of cultural burning

practices offers an effective solution to mitigate
Provide evidence of the benefit that Cultural the enhanced greenhouse effect by fostering
burning practices would have on society e.g. sustainable land management, reducing fuel
environmental, economic, health impacts. This loads, and minimizing the occurrence, enhance
should be written using the TEEL structure. biodiversity and intensity of wildfires. In 2014 it
was stated by the (CSIRO) that cultural burning
T – Topic sentence which introduces one benefit ofpractices provided benefits to the ecosystem,
cultural burning practices linked to reduction of GHGsome of the benefits are enhance biodiversity
emissions and the cultural value of the wetlands for
E – Evidence of this benefit – include statistics Traditional Owners. Research have stated at
from articles or further research. there has been an increased variety of water
E – Elaboration – explain how this would have an birds in the wetlands after burning. (Royal
impact on society. Commission 2020). If these practices were to be
L – Link to the focus of the letter to argue that continued, there would a be a significantly
these burning practices should be used. positive effect as cultural burning offers a
comprehensive approach that integrates
ecological, cultural, and community well-being.
It allows Indigenous communities to maintain
their connection with the land, protect natural
resources, and contribute to the sustainable
management of landscapes, benefiting both
society and the environment. In conclusion if
cultural burning practice were to be adopted
more by the current generation the earth would
significantly provide many benefits to society
and play a major role in reducing enhanced
greenhouse gases and wildfire saving the
government tons of immense amount of money.
Paragraph 4 (~200 words each) Cultural burning practices not only foster
ecological benefits but also generate employment
Provide evidence of the benefit that Cultural opportunities within the community, alleviating
burning practices would have on society e.g. the need for increased expenditure on fire
environmental, economic, health impacts. This suppression costs. The Australian government
should be written using the TEEL structure. has stated that they’ve spent over 5 billion
dollars on repairing on the damages and debris
T – Topic sentence which introduces another (Black Summer bushfire season cost farmers up
benefit of cultural burning practices to $5 billion 2023). This can benefit the
E – Evidence of this benefit – include statistics economic state of Australia as it will provide
from articles or further research. more jobs, alleviating the need for increased
E – Elaboration – explain how this would have an expenditure on fire suppression costs and offer
impact on society. biodiversity and ecosystem services e.g., water
L – Link to the focus of the letter to argue that purification, pest control and soil fertility. In
these burning practices should be used. addition to contributing to employment
opportunities, there are several other benefits of
cultural practices. Cultural Burning allows
beneficial aspects to both ecologically and
environmentally.

Paragraph 5 (~100 words)

Cultural burning, a traditional practice of
Summarise the benefit of Cultural burning practices Indigenous communities, which offers a variety
and why it should be used in South Australia. of benefits. It decreases wildfire risks through
controlled vegetation burns, safeguarding lives
and homes. It promotes biodiversity
conservation, rejuvenates ecosystems, and
maintaining Indigenous culture. Cultural
burning contributes to enhanced greenhouse
effects, tone down climate change. It also fosters
Indigenous engagement and cultural tourism.
Overall, this comprehensive approach to land
management brings about a range of advantages
for ecosystems, communities, and the
environment.

Bibliography - Royal Commission 2020, Background

You could use myBib Citation Generator Google Paper: Cultural burning practices in
Extension Australia, 15 June.
- New research in Arnhem Land reveals why
institutional fire management is inferior to
cultural burning 2022, Preventionweb.net,
viewed 22 June 2023,
<https://www.preventionweb.net/news/new-
 research-arnhem-land-reveals-why-
institutional-fire-management-inferior-
cultural-burning>.
- Wildfires and Climate Change 2022, Center
for Climate and Energy Solutions, viewed
22 June 2023,
<https://www.c2es.org/content/wildfires-
and-climate-change/#:~:text=Research
%20shows%20that%20changes%20in,these
%20increases%20in%20wildfire
%20risk.>.Black Summer bushfire season
cost farmers up to $5 billion 2023, The
University of Sydney, viewed 22 June 2023,
<https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-
opinion/news/2021/12/13/black-summer-
2019-20-bushfires-cost-farmers-5-billion-
australia.html#:~:text=A%20new%20report
%20by%20the,%244%20billion%20and
%20%245%20billion.>.
- Black Summer bushfire season cost farmers
up to $5 billion 2023, The University of
Sydney, viewed 22 June 2023,
<https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-
opinion/news/2021/12/13/black-summer-
2019-20-bushfires-cost-farmers-5-billion-
australia.html#:~:text=A%20new%20report
%20by%20the,%244%20billion%20and
%20%245%20billion.>.

How to write a TEEL paragraph in Science

In this example paragraph the topic is about how the general public feel
about nuclear energy
T = topic sentence
E = evidence
E = explanation/elaborate
L = link back to topic sentence

The problem with nuclear energy is that the general public have not
been consulted about where and when a nuclear power plant will be
produced resulting in the public feeling scared about nuclear energy.
The idea is that issues surrounding nuclear energy will be discussed in a
public forum. Richard Taylor (2018) states that “These forums bring
together scientists and a diverse range of concerned stakeholders (such
as local citizens, pressure groups and academic experts). These forums
are convened to let problems emerge and to create a vision of the future
that is common to everyone.” In the UK the nuclear industry provides a
safe and reliable source of energy and 15% of the electricity needs.
However, the public are in general not interested and do not trust
nuclear power. This problem has led authorities to think of new ways to
get the public better informed about nuclear energy. Consequently it is
hoped that the public will have more information and will feel happier
and safer with the nuclear industry. In conclusion, it is possible that by
holding forums in which people get to have their say the problem of
having the general public ‘scared’ of nuclear energy will be a thing of
the past.

Bibliography:
Taylor, R (2018) The Conversation “UK nuclear industry could be a
national treasure – if it tackles these key issues”
Connectives – useful words and phrases for sophisticated writing
illustrative
temporal causal contrast and opinion and
additional (giving an
(timing) cause & effect persuasion balance comparison interpretation
example)
 and  initially  for example  consequently  of course  but  equally  it would seen
 also  first (ly)  for instance  thus  naturally  however  similarly  one might
 further (more)  then  such as  so  obviously  nevertheless  compared with  one might
 in addition  so far  as  hence  clearly  alternatively  (in comparison) consider
 too  after(wards)  as revealed by  as a result  evidently  to turn to  comparatively  it could be
 again  at last (lastly)  thus  because/as  surely  yet  an equivalent suggested
 the following  finally  to show that  therefore  certainly  despite this  in the same way  one proposal is
 and then  once  to take the case  accordingly  decidedly  on the contrary  likewise that
 what is more  secondly (etc.)  of  since/ until  indeed  as for  as with  one may
 moreover  next  to elucidate  whenever  virtually  the opposite  to balance (this) deduce/ infer/
 as well as  subsequently  that is to say  as long as  no wonder  still  in juxtaposition imagine
 as a corollary  meanwhile  in other words  effectively  strangely  instead  by way of  it could be
 to complement  at length  a case in point  of course  enough  on the other  contrasting to concluded
 furthermore  in the end  an instance  depending upon  oddly enough  hand (on the this  presumably
 eventually  necessarily  luckily other hand)  in contrast  in the view of ….
 succeeding  eventually  (un)fortunately  whereas  on the strength
 otherwise of this
 following  inevitably  admittedly
 although  to the best of
 since  it may happen  undoubtedly
our knowledge
 prior to  that  apart from
 one’s belief is
 previously  in the course of  equally
summary emphasis concluding restricting  theoretically
 later things  to balance this
 literally
 in brief  to begin with  above all  to conclude  compensating  only if
 obviously
 in short  in particular  in conclusion  for this  unless
 possibly
 on the whole  notably  after all  all the same  except (for)
 maybe
 throughout  specifically  finally  for all that  save (for)
 contrary to
 in all  especially  when all is said  albeit/though
 improbably
 overall  significantly  and done  taking one thing
 incredibly
 to sum up  more  in the end  with another
 in summary importantly  ultimately  it is doubtful
 to recapitulate  indeed
 in a nutshell  explicitly
 in conclusion  in fact

his table is from ‘Grammar for Improving Writing and Improving Reading in Secondary Schools’ by Geoff Dean, David Fulton Publishers.