Mt. Lebanon Fire Department Fire Prevention Division Fire Saftey Curriculum

Lesson Plan 2.1

Objectives:
The student will understand what constitutes a tool.

• The student will understand that some tools are only safe for a grown-up to use.
  
  
• The student will understand that matches and lighters are "Adult only Tools".
  
  
• The student will tell a grown-up about accessible matches and lighters.
  
  
• The student will understand what constitutes fireworks.
  
  
• The student will be able to identify reasons for not using fireworks.
  
  
• The student will be able to identify the safe way to enjoy fireworks.

Time:
30 Minutes

Materials Needed:
Picture of Matches and Lighter
Fireworks Pictures
Sample Fireworks
Handouts - Match is a tool - Fireworks
Parent Letter
Chalkboard

Activity: Approx. Time:

1. Begin discussion by defining the word tool.
   
   Ask the class to name examples of simple tools. Write the examples on board. Mention that some tools are only for use by grown-ups. Now ask for examples of tools that are for grown-ups only. 5 Minutes
   
   
2. Hold up pictures of matches and lighters and ask what they are. Tell the students they are also tools - tools that are for grown-ups only.
   
   On the chalkboard create two columns GOOD and BAD.
   
   Ask the students to name some of the things, both good and bad, that these "Tools" are used for. Write the student's responses in the appropriate column. 5 Minutes
   
   
3. Ask the students if they have any younger brothers or sisters. Ask what is the best way to prevent them from playing with adult tools like matches or lighters. Lead their answers to: Keeping these things out of reach and out of sight.
   
   Now ask what the student should do if they find matches or a lighter.
   
   Stress that they should NOT pick them up. They should tell a grown-up.
   
   Ask who are some of the grown-ups they might tell. Write list on the board. 5 Minutes
   
   
4. Tell students you are going to show them another picture. Hold up pictures of fireworks. Ask if any of the students have used this kind of fire works in the past. Show the sparkler and other fireworks items. Ask students if these things are also fireworks.
   
   Explain that all of these things are fireworks and can be very dangerous. 5 Minutes
   
   
5. Ask if any of the students have been hurt by fireworks or knows of someone who has. After several students give examples, discuss two recent case histories.
   1. A fireworks plant explosion in Ohio killed 2 workers.
   2. Two young boys tossed a firecracker into a tent to scare a friend. The tent caught fire and the friend died.
      
      
   Ask students where fireworks usually hurt people. Knowing this, ask students what the ONLY safe way is to enjoy fireworks. WATCH THEM AT A DISPLAY WHERE PROFESSIONALS SET THEM OFF. 8 Minutes
   
   
6. Distribute hand-out material. Ask students to take them and discuss them with their parents. 2 Minutes

Evaluation:
Classroom Discussion
Response to Question