Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand basic concepts related to fire lighting, including the importance of fire safety and how fire can be used for various purposes.

Materials and Prep

• A safe and controlled outdoor space for the fire lighting session
• Firewood or twigs
• Newspaper or dry leaves
• Matches or a lighter (to be handled by the adult)
• A bucket of water or a fire extinguisher for safety

Activities

1. Discuss Fire Safety: Start by discussing with the student the importance of fire safety. Explain that fire can be dangerous and should only be used under adult supervision. Teach them basic fire safety rules, such as never playing with fire, staying away from matches and lighters, and not touching hot objects.
2. Firewood Collection: Go outside with the student and collect some firewood or twigs. Explain that fire needs fuel to burn and that wood is a common fuel source.
3. Building a Fire: Demonstrate how to build a small fire using the collected firewood and some newspaper or dry leaves as kindling. Explain the importance of arranging the wood in a safe and stable manner.
4. Lighting the Fire: Safely light the fire using matches or a lighter (to be handled by the adult). Explain the process of combustion and how fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen to burn.
5. Observing the Fire: Allow the student to observe the fire while discussing its characteristics. Talk about the colors, heat, and the way it consumes the fuel.
6. Extinguishing the Fire: Show the student how to safely extinguish the fire using water or a fire extinguisher. Emphasize the importance of completely putting out the fire before leaving the area.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Fire is a powerful and useful tool, but it can also be dangerous if not handled properly."
• "We should never play with fire or touch matches and lighters without adult supervision."
• "Fire needs fuel, heat, and oxygen to burn. Without any of these, it cannot exist."
• "Wood is a common fuel source for fires. It burns and provides the heat needed to sustain the fire."
• "When we light a fire, we need to be careful and make sure it is built in a safe and stable manner."
• "Fire produces heat and light, and it can be different colors depending on the materials that are burning."
• "When we are done with a fire, we need to make sure it is completely extinguished to prevent any accidents or wildfires."