Home/Curriculum resources/Fire in ceremony /Activity 3 – Campfire construction
Learning Area:
Health and Physical Education
Year levels:
Level 5, Level 6
Suggested timing:
30 minutes up to one lesson.
Required resources:
Sticks, leaves, stones, access to natural outdoor area
Activity 3 – Campfire construction
This activity is a part of the Fire in ceremony resource.
Green branches and flame. Adelaide, Kaurna country. Photographer: Elena Pochesneva. Source: Getty Images. Used under license.
In this activity teachers guide students in gathering materials from an outdoor area and building a campfire setup, emphasizing the importance of considering oxygen, heat, and fuel.
Step by Step guide
Step 1: Survey the land
Take students on a walk to an outdoor/natural area where they can gather sticks, leaves, stones and other kindling material (not a national park). Students can work individually or in groups.
Step 2: Begin building the fire area
Each group can choose a cleared spot in which to build their ‘fire’. Using the stones to create a border and piling up sticks and kindling material, students will construct a fire (without lighting it). This could be a traditional campfire set-up, or a novel design. Students should consider the need for oxygen, heat and fuel in their campfire.
Step 3: Have a discussion
Inquiry-based questions for discussion:
How did you think about oxygen, heat and fuel in building your campfire? Do you think it would burn well?
What did you notice while gathering kindling? For example, animals, plants.
What activities would you use a fire for in your own lives? What could you cook on a fire?
Would having fire skills encourage you to spend time outdoors, such as camping, and help you enjoy nature?
Related activities within this resources:
Conceptual-based questions
Engage with a variety of conceptual-based questions which explore fire in Indigenous culture.
Activity 1 – Smoking ceremony
Students and teachers will watch a video about smoking ceremonies, then engage in a discussion exploring their significance, cultural connections, and differences with Western beliefs.
Suggested timing:
30 mins
Required resources:
Device, internet connection
Activity 2 – Fire starting techniques
This activity involves teachers and students watching a video demonstrating fire starting methods and discussing techniques, teamwork, and the importance of community in the process.
Suggested timing:
20 minutes
Required resources:
Device, internet connection