Safety education is absent in the chemistry curriculum. This commentary discusses the consequences of the missing safety education for graduates and institutions that hire them. It suggests and discusses the application of the theory of Normalization of Deviance to explain why safety education is missing. It suggests ways to fix the shortcoming by…

Summarizes results of a three-item questionnaire returned by 43 Michigan institutions expressing views on wearing contact lenses in chemical laboratories. Questions focused on eye protection, type of protection, and use of contact lenses. (SK)

Discusses and suggests some solutions for three problems related to chemistry laboratory management, including disappearance of teaching assistants, check in/out procedures, and slow students. (YP)

Describes a constructivist chemistry laboratory approach based on students' personal experiences where students had the opportunity to develop their own experimental processes. Points out both the fruitfulness and difficulties of using a graduate student as a teaching assistant. (YDS)

Considers the role of the laboratory in effective chemistry education. Lists hazards and testing programs which place more stress on lecture than laboratory. Cites reasons for the continuation and revitalization of the laboratory. (ML)

Argues that with the increase in hands-on approaches to science, teachers are using more hazardous science demonstrations with less conceptual understanding than they should have. Poses questions for discussion within the chemical education community regarding the presentation of demonstration-based sessions at conferences. Stresses the…

Discusses undetected hazards that may have potential for injuring staff and students. Cites examples of chemical hazards in the lab. Stresses the need for laboratory safety education. Gives examples of safety publications for secondary and college science laboratories. Comments on the changing nature of chemical safety standards. (CW)