Burn ‘n’ Learn Event Gives Students Hands-On Introduction to Firefighting and STEM

GODFREY – Students from Wolf Ridge Education Center in Bunker Hill recently participated in a hands-on Burn N Learn: Firefighting & STEM Day coordinated through a partnership between Lewis and Clark Community College and the Illinois Regional Office of Education #40.

LC Fire Science Coordinator Ed Burnley collaborated with ROE 40 Director of STEM Initiatives Kelly Remijan to organize the April event with support from Bunker Hill Fire Protection District Firefighter Boe Yeager, Edwardsville Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Mayfield, Edwardsville Fire Department Assistant Chief Rodney Hall and Illinois Math and Science Academy STEM Enrichment Specialist Annamary King.

Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive learning stations designed to connect science, technology, engineering and math concepts with real-world firefighting applications. Activities included connecting and disconnecting hoses from a hydrant, using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, operating a thermal imaging camera and conducting experiments focused on water pressure, oxygen and the chemicals used to extinguish fires. Students also observed a demonstration on mechanical advantage while a teacher rappelled.

“It was an amazing day with excellent hands-on learning for our students, teachers and adults,” said teacher Erin McAfee.

Students appreciated the opportunity to try activities they would not normally encounter in a classroom setting.

“It was so much fun!” sixth grader Nora Koprivica said. “Especially working with the fire extinguisher because that's not something we get to do.”

“It was really put together,” eighth grader Addy Bartee added. “The firefighters were really helpful and explained so much. They knew their stuff! I really enjoyed it.”

Burnley said the event demonstrated the strength of community partnerships and experiential learning.

“This was a true team effort to make an impact across the community,” Burnley said. “Opportunities like this highlight the value of strong partnerships between education and the fire service, while helping inspire and inform the next generation of future professionals.”

To learn more about LC’s Fire Science program, contact Burnley at eburnley@lc.edu.