Lewis and Clark Community College
05/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2026 11:27
Burn n Learn Event Gives Students Hands On Introduction to Firefighting and STEM
In the front row, from left to right, are Ms. Erin McAfee, Tesla Risdon, Mackenzie Emmerson, Navi Stapleford, Gabi Hamilton and Elvira Christen. In the second row, from left to right, are Wyatt Baker, Rowan Pehrson, Carson Anderson, Madelyn Bertels, Leela Hornbeck, Lydia Timmermeier, Adelynn Bartee, Aubrey Guess, Ariana Banwart, Kaylee Wall, Mrs. Tricia Banwart and Mrs. Shadow Collins. In the third row, from left to right, are Edwardsville Asst. Fire Chief Mark Mayfield, Bunker Hill Firefighter Bob Yaeger, LC Fire Science Coordinator Ed Burnley, Ms. Katie Sutton, Ryker Henfling, Jackob Wall, Logan Pollard, Cooper Kahl and Carson Trimm. PHOTO BY KELLY REMIJAN
GODFREY - Students from Wolf Ridge Education Center in Bunker Hill recently participated in a hands-on Burn N Learn: Firefighting & STEM Day coordinated through a partnership between Lewis and Clark Community College and the Illinois Regional Office of Education #40.
LC Fire Science Coordinator Ed Burnley collaborated with ROE 40 Director of STEM Initiatives Kelly Remijan to organize the April event with support from Bunker Hill Fire Protection District Firefighter Boe Yeager, Edwardsville Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Mayfield, Edwardsville Fire Department Assistant Chief Rodney Hall and Illinois Math and Science Academy STEM Enrichment Specialist Annamary King.
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive learning stations designed to connect science, technology, engineering and math concepts with real-world firefighting applications. Activities included connecting and disconnecting hoses from a hydrant, using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, operating a thermal imaging camera and conducting experiments focused on water pressure, oxygen and the chemicals used to extinguish fires. Students also observed a demonstration on mechanical advantage while a teacher rappelled.
"It was an amazing day with excellent hands-on learning for our students, teachers and adults," said teacher Erin McAfee.
Students appreciated the opportunity to try activities they would not normally encounter in a classroom setting.
"It was so much fun!" sixth grader Nora Koprivica said. "Especially working with the fire extinguisher because that's not something we get to do."
"It was really put together," eighth grader Addy Bartee added. "The firefighters were really helpful and explained so much. They knew their stuff! I really enjoyed it."
Burnley said the event demonstrated the strength of community partnerships and experiential learning.
"This was a true team effort to make an impact across the community," Burnley said. "Opportunities like this highlight the value of strong partnerships between education and the fire service, while helping inspire and inform the next generation of future professionals."
To learn more about LC's Fire Science program, contact Burnley at [email protected].
Lewis and Clark Community College published this content on May 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 13, 2026 at 17:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]