Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My children are very intrigued by how turnout gear is made and how it protects a firefighter. how can we make a science fair project out of this? Any help would be appreciated

Spooly33 - There are a number of good sources on the manufacture of turn-out gear. Here is one example of a manufacturers process in a YouTube video. There were several manufacturers products showing the process in similar YouTube sites. You might visit a local firehouse and ask to see some turn-out gear as part of your science fair project. Perhaps they can let you borrow a coat or pants for your display. A large fire department might even have a worn out piece that they could give you. I was a volunteer fireman for many years and still have most of my gear in the garage as I live near a woodland fire danger area.

Rick Marz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOLC0QXzY4w

Ok, thank you for getting back to me. I understand this part of the research but what question could I use for a display board? When I said I was in research mode...I meant I have gathered the info but how can I make this into an actual science fair project? Can you just display at a science fair what you have learned about a subject??... Meaning without abstracts and experiments, etc.

Spooly33 - I think the first sentence of your original question really defines your project, just turn it around. "How does the turn-out gear protect the fireman" and "how is it made?" There is a lot of information and education that most people won't know about fire gear, but your story board can fill that void. There is a lot of science and technology behind the materials used and the unique properties they have, and how they work in combination. While this may not be a 'cause & effect' project, it may be very interesting. You might want to check with the fair organizers about their theme and whether this project fits their guidelines.

Rick Marz