Educator Resources

Class Discussion

Establish Prior Knowledge

Call on students to share what they know about conditions that may make a region prone to wildfires. Further discuss what can trigger a wildfire in dry regions. Explain that in some areas of the world farmers clear land by burning and that sometimes these fires burn out of control. Tell them that in the snapshot they will view farmers in Indonesia are using climate prediction to reduce the risk of wildfires.


Have students view the snapshot and read the synopsis. Use the following questions to guide discussion.

  • In some parts of the world there are two seasons: a rainy season and a dry season. What happens to vegetation during the dry season?
  • Why is peatland more prone to cause wildfires than other types of land?
  • What problems do these out-of-control fires cause?
  • How do climate forecasts benefit Indonesian farmers? How would reduction in out-of-control fires benefit the population in general? 


Use the following questions to wrap-up your discussion:

  • Why do many Indonesian farmers use burning and not some other method to clear land?
  • Suppose the Indonesian government wanted to introduce poor farmers to modern ways of clearing land. What obstacles would it face?