Bush fire education in NSW receives a boost with new professional learning course for teachers

NSW teachers will have access to a new professional learning course as part of Project Firestorm, an award-winning integrated STEM unit of work for Stage 3 students.

With support from the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, the RFS is launching Project Firestorm: Design Thinking for Bush Fire Resilience, a NESA-accredited professional development course designed to equip teachers with the skills to deliver Project Firestorm in their classrooms.

Commissioner of the RFS, Rob Rogers, said the program is an interactive way for students to become leaders and advocates in bush fire preparation, survival and recovery.

“Project Firestorm is an opportunity for the RFS to help students understand the complexity of disasters and how they can affect their local community,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“It challenges students to apply design thinking to solve an authentic problem for their context in relation to bushfire detection, response and management.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said Project Firestorm was a great example of how students undertaking STEM subjects can be inspired by tackling real-world problems.

“Projects like this give our best young minds a real appreciation of the impact that science can have in our everyday lives,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

“My hope is that some of those participating will choose to continue further studies through to university and eventually become part of our next generation of scientists and technologists.”

Project Firestorm: Design Thinking for Bush Fire Resilience will be delivered in eight locations across NSW during Terms 3 and 4.

Teachers can register their interest in attending at https://nswrfs.jotform.com/231498613378870

For further information, please contact community.engagement@rfs.nsw.gov.au