Hourglass Lake Fire Challenge

As part of the Hazard Education, Awareness, and Resilience Task Force (HEART Force) program, this bilingual, scenario-based role play game engages students in working within three “zone response teams” to solve community challenges that arise during a wildfire event, using available individual and community resources.

HEART Force is a statewide initiative developed in response to the increasing impacts of environmental hazards such as wildfire, flood, and drought on Colorado communities. The program engages youth in understanding these hazards, preparing for emergencies, and strengthening community resilience. Through interactive learning and civic engagement, students explore the science behind natural disasters, their social impacts, and the role young people can play in creating local solutions.

Originally developed for middle and high school classrooms, the game is also well-suited for use with community groups.

This game can be played with up to 18 participants. If you would like to play with up to 36, please purchase the extension kit.

Context for use

This game is best used after the wildfire hazard lesson in the HEART Force curricular unit, for students to apply their learning and respond to a hypothetical wildfire in their own community.

Preceding lessons:

• Middle School Colorado Wildfire Lesson

• High School Colorado Wildfire Lesson

Potential lessons to follow include:

• HEART Force Pathways to Resilience Action Projects

Note: If your community has recently experienced a wildfire, consider using the Wildfire Resilience Game as an alternative.