You’re invited to join educators and scientists for a day of field excursions to explore how you can incorporate locally relevant fire science experiences into your teaching. This full-day session will support fulfillment of NGSS alignment for grade bands k-12. During the morning, participants will tour the Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center, where they will learn about historical and current approaches to fire mitigation in Montana, the role of smokejumpers, and how US Forest Service fire management policy has changed as the result of improved scientific understanding of forces shaping ecological landscapes. In the afternoon, the group will travel to the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest to explore how fire scientists test prescribed burn approaches in the field. The visit will include a walking tour of prescribed fire treatment sites guided by a UM researcher, as well as an accompanying hands-on activity that educators can implement with their students. The curriculum provided will include a take-home kit of resources, detailed lesson plans, and extensions to facilitate UDL. Lunch will be provided. Participants will need their own transportation throughout the day, including to Lubrecht Forest, approximately 40 minutes from Missoula. The afternoon visit to Lubrecht will include light hiking, so bring sturdy shoes and layers for all possible Montana weather. This session is co-facilitated by partners on the National Science Foundation-funded SMART FIRES project (OIA 2242802), which is investigating the role of prescribed fire in mitigating wildfire risk, as well as its impacts on people and communities in Montana.