How can we control fire?

Wednesday 15th August 2018

Why are children fascinated with fire?

Fire is colourful and dynamic. It's movement is gentle and soothing. It’s not surprising that fire captures our interest. From a child’s point of view, fire seems like the perfect toy; colourful, animated, and responsive. Through everyday use, it seems comforting, warm, and helpful. We have candles on our birthday cakes and children see fire in fireplaces in winter, and barbecues in the summer. Another misconception from a child’s point of view is that fire seems fragile. Most fires children see are small with candles, matches, and lighters. They are easily extinguished with a puff of breath. 

At this stage, children may not understand the consequences and overestimate their ability to control fire. We want children to not develop a fear of heat and fire but to develop an awareness of it and to make sound choices when they encounter challenging situations. We decided to demonstrate the safe use of fire materials under controlled conditions and then encourage the children to follow adult modelling (moving away from the fire and putting spot fires out with water). Through child participation, it encourages a sense of responsibility and promotes independence as well as encouraging rational decision making in the context of clear expectations. Learning about such topics will benefit growth, understanding and minimise play with fire.

Our children have continuously been fascinated with fire and how this occurs. As a way of demonstrating fire in a safe way, we used bicarb soda and vinegar to replicate how fires can erupt and change. We paired this experience with model fire trucks to create dialogue. Children at this level find difficulty understanding larger and more abstract concepts, however working directly with these materials have in some way facilitated a foundation for understanding concepts of phenomena that occur on earth.  

We asked, how do firefighters put fires out?  

“They use water, water and it go away.” Said Sophie. “Wash, water.” Said Charlie. “You use a hose with water in it.” Ava told us.  

We explained that sometimes when fires occur, firefighters will use airplanes and helicopters to drop water or special firefighting chemicals on fires from the air. These aircraft can carry thousands of gallons of liquid to drop on hard to reach areas of the fire. We also explained that small fires could be put out with a fire blanket and with the use of a hose taken from a fire truck.  

We then followed through with the second part of the experience by using our water bottles to then spray the volcanoes down and extinguish the eruptions. “Fire…fire.” Our children began to chant. “The fire is out.” Yelled Wolfe.  

We will extend on this experience by placing paint on the windows to represent fire and persuade the children to act out being firefighters, using a hose to put the fire out. Through role play, we will promote understanding about the role of firefighters in keeping the community safe.