Misconceptions are not simply factual errors or a lack of understanding, but rather explanations that are constructed based on past experiences (Hewson and Hewson 1988). If students' misconceptions are not directly engaged in the learning process, they may persist--even when faced with instruction to the contrary (Bransford, Brown, and Cocking 1989). This article presents a 5E instructional model to help students overcome misconceptions about fire and its role in ecological succession. (Contains 5 figures and 11 online resources.)