Backdraft

	Backdraft (1991)

	Concept featured in clip: Fire and Combustion
	Location of clip:
	VHS: 1:24:35 - 1:26:26 DVD: Chapter 11 Play Flickclip Here (Quicktime)

Summary of clip: This scene has the fire chief talking to a fireman about the life of a fire and how it breathes. He talks about the beauty of the fire and how it needs to be respected.

Connection of flickclip to the concept: This clip draws students into the concept of combustion. Students can watch the clip and make observations about the process of combustion noting the interesting descriptions the fire chief gives to fire.

Suggestions to teachers:

1. Suggested questions for students when viewing the clip:

a. Combustion is the process in which fire is started. What is needed in order for combustion to occur?

b. How is this similar to giving birth to something that is alive? How is it different from something that is living?

c. How is fire important to our society? How can fire cause problems?

d. Why is it important to respect fire?

2. After this flickclip, students can participate in an activity exploring the process and components of combustion in more detail. They could examine how matches, lighters and other combustion-producing mechanisms work to create fire. (Be sure to use proper science classroom safety procedures).

3. As an evaluation to a unit on combustion and fire, students can view this clip and then describe combustion based on what the fire chief talks about—how fire is living, breathing, beautiful and needs to be respected.