Resources for Children and Educators
NM landowner cleaning up debris to reduce fire risk
The fire season is now a year-round reality in many areas, requiring firefighters and residents to be on heightened alert for the threat of wildland fire throughout the year. Each year, wildland fires consume hundreds of homes in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Studies show that as many as 80 percent of the homes lost to wildland fires could have been saved if their owners had followed a few simple firesafe practices.
Your fire department takes every precaution to help protect you and your property from wildland fire. However, in a major wildland fire, there are simply not enough fire engines or firefighters to defend every home. Successfully preparing for a wildland fire requires you to take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your family and your property. Use the resources on this page to help you prepare.
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Fire Ecology Curriculum
Fire Ecology Learning Lab
The Fire Ecology Learning Lab (FELL) is a place based, experiential middle school science unit designed to help students understand the biotic communities of the Southwest, how these communities are adapted to wildland fire, and how the land can be thoughtfully managed. FELL also expanded this curriculum to cater to all grade levels, aiming to reach a broader audience. Individual lessons were specifically crafted for agency members and environmental educators to integrate into classrooms. All lessons are aligned with state standards and follow the 5E (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, & Evaluate) model of science education. The curriculum can be used as a whole unit by educators or as individual modules by teachers and agency members visiting classrooms.
The Teacher Portal provides the full 10 lesson curriculum for middle school students, including individual lesson plans, learning platforms, and a training video for classroom teachers
For Agency & Informal Educators, modules are provided for classroom visits with activities grouped by age: K-2, 3-5, middle and high school.
FireWorks Educational Program
FireWorks is an educational program about the science of wildland fire, designed for students in grades K-12. It provides students with interactive, hands-on materials to study wildland fire. It is highly interdisciplinary, and students learn about properties of matter, chemical and physical processes, ecosystem fluctuations and cycles, habitat and survival, and human interactions with ecosystems. The FireWorks program consists of a curriculum and a trunk of materials, including laboratory equipment, specimens, and kits of specialized materials for educators. While many of the activities can be used in any ecosystem, many are applicable to specific regions.
Educational Booklets for Children
FAC Facts: Southwestern Fire Ecology
The FAC Facts: Southwestern Ecology booklet introduces the five most common ecosystem types in New Mexico, and how fire plays a role in each. In this booklet, you will find information about the plants, animals, and histories of these places where we live, work, and play.
Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Materials
Since 1944, the Smokey Bear campaign has been working to encourage all Americans to prevent wildfires. After 80 years, Smokey has continued to spread messages around wildfire prevention. Created by the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Ad Council, Smokey Bear materials have been made available for both educators and children.
Smokey for Kids offer activities, games, and fun facts that teach children about preventing wildfires and protecting the forest. Smokey for Educators provides resources to teach kids grades K-8 a variety of skills and subjects.