Educator Resources

SMART FIRES supports K–12 and informal educators with curriculum, activities, professional development, and tools related to fire science, prescribed fire, sensors, and environmental monitoring.

These materials are based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR RII Track-1 Program under Award No. OIA-2242802.

Future City Competition Funding for Montana Middle School Teams

Montana middle school educators and youth organizations can apply for funding to participate in the 2026-27 Future City Competition. Supported by Montana State University’s Science Math Resource Center, SMART FIRES, and the Montana Girls STEM Collaborative, selected teams will receive registration support, project funding, travel assistance, and a coach stipend. This year’s theme, Fire Resilient Future, challenges students to design innovative cities that can prevent, withstand, and recover from urban wildfires.

Learn more

STEM Summer Institute

August 3-5, 2026

Montana State University-Bozeman

  

This event brings educators together for three days of hands‑on professional learning designed to deepen STEM knowledge, strengthen classroom practice, and spark fresh instructional ideas. Participants engage in keynote sessions, interactive workshops, and networking with peers and exhibitors, all focused on supporting high‑quality K–12 STEM education. SMART FIRES is serving as a Gold Sponsor this year, so look for us at the Welcome Reception and throughout the conference.

More info & tickets

Classroom Resources

Grade Level
Resource Type

  • Sensing for Science: Sensing Heat

  • Sensing for Science: Sensing Light

  • Think Like a Fire Scientist: Video with Question Samples

  • Sensors Across the Curriculum
  • Think Like a Fire Scientist poster screenshot

    Think Like a Fire Scientist: Classroom Poster

  • Think Like a Fire Scientist: Activity Page
  • Sensing for Science cover image, showing animals springing out from a shrub

    Sensing for Science: K-2 Elementary STEM Curriculum

External Resources

What is Prescribed Fire?

The U.S. Forest Service provides a good overview of prescribed burns, including benefits, types, and planning.

FireWorks Curriculum

Hands-on K–12 program teaching wildland fire science through interdisciplinary, inquiry-based activities and interactive materials.

Fire on the Land Curriculum

Interactive site exploring Indigenous fire stewardship, historical landscapes, ecology, and modern restoration through cultural knowledge.

Fire Smoke: Sources & Impacts

ArcGIS Story Map by Jennifer Taylor covering air quality, human health, and fire smoke

Free Air Quality Monitors

Montana DEQ provides free PurpleAir air quality monitors to schools that request one. Data are public and can be viewed on a live map.

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SMART FIRES (quarterly)

Project updates for SMART FIRES researchers and beyond, highlighting current research, news, and occasional educator PD or resources. See archives

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Brainstorms! (monthly)

Educator‑focused, featuring STEM classroom resources, curricula and kits, professional development opportunities, grants, and interesting articles for K–12 and beyond.
See archives

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MT Citizen Science Network (semesterly)

For anyone interested in STEM‑related citizen science, offering activities, tools, and opportunities for classrooms, community programs, and the public. See archives

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Contact Us

Want more educator resources and information? Contact us at the Montana State University Science Math Resource Center: (406) 994-7476, smrc@montana.edu.