HSC Geography › Human–Environment Interactions › 14.1
Activity Materials — Bushfires
NSW Stage 6 Geography (2022) · Student worksheet · Contemporary hazard
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this resource may contain names, images or references to people who have died.
Activity 1 · Define the hazard
Key terms · ~8 min
Write a definition, in your own words, for each term.
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Bushfire | |
| Natural hazard | |
| Natural disaster | |
| Fuel load | |
Activity 2 · The “big three”
Applying geographical understanding · ~12 min
For each control, explain how it makes a fire worse.
| Control | How it worsens a fire |
|---|
| Fuel load | |
| Weather | |
| Topography (slope) | |
Draw & label the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen):
Activity 3 · How fire moves
Reading a diagram · ~10 min
Answer using the study-page diagram.
- What is an ember attack, and why does it let fire cross roads and rivers?
- Difference between a surface fire and a crown fire?
- Why is radiant heat so dangerous?
Activity 4 · Slope & climate
Processing geographical information · ~10 min
Answer in full sentences.
- Why does fire spread faster uphill?
- How do El Niño and La Niña years differ for bushfire risk in eastern Australia?
Activity 5 · Fire & the Australian landscape
Respectful inquiry · ~15 min (may be homework)
Using the endorsed sources below, answer respectfully. Cite your source.
- Give one way a eucalypt is adapted to survive fire.
- Explain what cultural burning is and one benefit it provides for Country.
Activity 6 · Short-response practice
Communicating geographical understanding · ~15 min
Answer in full sentences, using correct terminology.
Q: “Explain the natural and human factors that affect the ignition and spread of bushfires.”
Concept: environmentConcept: interconnectionConcept: change