Our World: Fire Safety – Here and In Space
Fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat - no matter where the fire may be housed. Review fire safety rules while you learn more about research NASA is conducting to keep astronauts safe during space explorations.
Discussion and Writing Prompts:
1. How does fire behave differently in space compared to on Earth? Use evidence from the video to explain how gravity (or the lack of it) changes the way flames form, move, and spread.
2. Why is understanding fire behavior in space important for astronaut safety? Describe the challenges astronauts would face during a fire emergency in a spacecraft and how NASA’s research helps reduce those risks. If you were designing a spacecraft, what fire safety features would you prioritize and why?
3. Compare fire safety procedures on Earth and in space. How does learning about fire safety in space change the way you think about safety on Earth?
Background Information
Grades 3 through 12
- NASA eClips Ask SME: Project Manager Dr. Gary Ruff (video)
- National Fire Protection Association Safety Tip Sheets (webpage)
- National Park Service Fire Basics for Kids (webpage)
Grades 5 through 12
- HowStuffWorks How Has NASA Helped Save Firefighters? (webpage)
- Why is NASA Studying Flames in Space? (webpage)
- NASA NASA Ignites Fire Experiment Aboard Space Cargo Ship (webpage)
- NASA NASA Pursues Burning Desire to Study Fire Safety in Space (webpage)
- The Washington Post NASA Just Set a Fire in Space - On Purpose (webpage)
Grades 6 through 12
- NASA Spacecraft Fire Safety (webpage)
- NASA Spinoff Polymer Fabric Protects Firefighters, Military, and Civilians (webpage)
Activities
Grades K through 5
- National Fire Protection Association Activities (interactives)
- U.S. Fire Administration Kids Fire Truck Fold Up Activity Sheet (pdf foldable)
- U.S. Fire Administration Let's Have Fun with Fire Safety (e-book)
Grades 3 through 8
- Fire Safe Kids Fire Safety Basics / Activities (e-book)