SMART FIRES is committed to advancing scientific literacy and STEM engagement across Montana by equipping K–12 educators and students with tools to understand prescribed fire science and its environmental impacts. Through educator trainings, classroom-ready resources, and immersive experiences like the Sensing Fire field trips and mobile exhibits, SMART FIRES connects cutting-edge research with real-world learning. The initiative also supports pre-service teachers with curated STEM kits and collaborates with schools in rural and tribal communities to ensure equitable access to fire science education. This page offers downloadable materials, links to training opportunities, and citizen science tools designed to inspire the next generation of land stewards and science leaders.
Montana elementary teachers invited to apply for free STEM kit on sensors
Educators of youth in grades K-2 are invited to apply for a free “Sensing for Science kit” from Montana State University. The kit includes 7 ready-to-go lessons and all materials and is appropriate for a school or out-of-school setting.
The content introduces early elementary students to the concepts of sensors, the functions of various sensors and the use of sensors in real-world scientific contexts to monitor the environment or solve problems. No prior experience with or understanding of sensors is required by the instructor.
The kit was created by the MSU Science Math Resource Center as part of the NSF EPSCoR SMART FIRES project (Sensors, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Real Time Fire Science).
Application deadline is Dec. 8, 2025.
Questions? Contact Suzi Taylor at taylor@montana.edu
Classroom Activities
Matchstick Forest Activity
Adapted from spectrUM and the USFS FireWorks Program, this hands-on model explores four fire treatment types.
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