September STEAM Social: Burning to Learn!

Smoke & Wildfire – Preparing Together, Burning to Learn

UPDATE: This event has been cancelled due to insufficient sign-ups.

Discover how creativity, curiosity, and community can make wildfire readiness empowering — and fun — at Burning to Learn! This special STEAM Social blends science, art, and hands-on activities for all ages, making wildfire preparedness approachable, inspiring, and even joyful.

Start your evening with a Fire & Smoke Preparedness Passport from Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative (SOFRC). Collect stamps as you visit each engaging station — completed passports will win a prize!
Build your own DIY air filter and explore a smoke inversion demo with Smokewise Ashland, Ashland Fire & Rescue, and SOFRC staff.
Learn how to assemble a Go-bag with tips and free materials from Silvia Ceron of the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Discover home hardening and defensible space strategies with Teresa Vonn of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Learn about wildfire science through art in the Blaze & Brush workshop.
Test your skills in the Tree ID activity from Kara Baylog of the OSU Extension Service.

The evening also features engaging presentations from SOFRC staff and the Be Ready, Be Set wildfire readiness talk with Kelly Burns, City of Ashland Emergency Management Coordinator.

Leave with new skills, fresh ideas, and the confidence to make wildfire preparedness a part of your everyday life.

📅 Friday, September 12
⏰ 6 to 8 PM
📍 ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
💰 Free for Members & SOU Students | $10 for Non-Members
🏛️ Includes full access to the museum’s exhibits
🍷 Sip and learn: beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase

Every second Friday of the month, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum invites the community to hang out at the museum for a multigenerational evening of science, creativity, and fun. Enjoy a variety of beverages, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options, while participating in a different hands-on activity or workshop each month. These social evenings are open to all ages, making them perfect for families, friends, and anyone curious about exploring the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)!

Oregon’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program encourages you to have an emergency plan and enough supplies for everyone in your household to survive for at least two weeks after a disaster. This may sound overwhelming, but you’re probably more prepared than you think!

The program’s toolkit breaks readiness into eight simple, step-by-step lessons, helping you build self-reliance and community preparedness from right where you are.

At Burning to Learn, Silvia Ceron of the Oregon Department of Human Services will share resources and more information. Visit the Be 2 Weeks Ready website to explore the full program and start your plan.