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11B Models #1
A mathematical model may give insight about how something really works or may fit observations very well without any intuitive meaning....

     

 

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Wildfire Simulator

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/fire/simulation.html


Description

Wildfire Simulator is a fire-growth computer model that lets users see how certain conditions, such as wind speed and direction, affect the spread of a wildland fire. In addition, it shows users how to use a fireline—alone or in conjunction with a backfire—to control a fire. (A fireline is a path along which fuel has been removed, and a backfire is a fire purposely set to burn away fuel.) To begin this interactive, students will set wind and fuel conditions by selecting various options in the “Wind” and “Fuel” section at the bottom of the screen. Using the "fire" icon located in the “Tools” section at the bottom of the screen, the student will start a fire. Next, if the student decides to fight the fire, his or her goal is to stop the fire from reaching the house. To stop the fire, the student can create a fireline with the tool that looks like a pick and widen the fireline by creating a backfire with the drip torch (These icons are located in the “Tool” section at the bottom of the screen.


Using the Resource

This site is a great resource for students to learn about fires and factors that affect wildfires. Students will learn about wind and fuel (anything that can burn…dead, living or dormant vegetation found in nature) in terms of their influence on wildfires. They will also learn about techniques that are used to fight wildfires such as, clearing a fireline and/or setting a backfire. Information on this site can be tied to topics in biology and technology. Have students list what types of technology are used to fight wildfires and have them write a paragraph about how wildfires effect the environment (the ecosystem).


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Created :12/13/2005