Our fifth and sixth-grade students recently took fire science from the textbook to the lab with a closely supervised demonstration and some expert help from the Wichita Fire Department.

With parent permission, students had the opportunity to participate in the experiment using protective gear while learning about combustion and how fire behaves in a controlled setting.

The lesson also connected directly to real-life safety. Wichita firefighters talked with students about planning escape routes at home, choosing a family meeting place, what to do in the event of a kitchen grease fire, and why preparation matters before an emergency ever happens.

It was a memorable way to bring science and safety together, giving students a chance to see the concepts they were studying in action while learning practical information they can carry beyond the classroom.

A big thank you to Mrs. O for creating such a memorable learning experience for her fifth and sixth-grade classes, and to the Wichita Fire Department for helping make the lesson both meaningful and safe.