Enumerates variables involved in the safe operation of a fume hood. Describes a test to measure hood performance. Discusses variables which effect hood performance. Lists design changes sometimes necessary to provide more space and encourage good practices. Concludes with a summary of good hood practices. (CW)

A five-week course for fourth- and fifth-grade students (titled "Chemistry for Kids") was developed. Each class session consisted of a brief lecture, a demonstration, and one or more experiments. An outline of concepts fostered, instructional strategies, and procedures used is provided. (JN)

The University of Georgia (UGA) biosafety program was initiated in response to requirements for recombinant DNA experiments rather than laboratory-acquired infections. This and other environmental safety programs at UGA are described, considering three of the four recognized levels of biocontainment. A fire extinguisher inspection computer program…

Characterizes a number of the bench-type chemical laboratory hoods. Reports results of a study that determined the levels of protection each type provides, exploring variables such as laboratory air supply systems, face velocity, work practices, personnel movement, and the effect of equipment location in the hood. (CS)

Methods for organizing and storing chemicals in teaching laboratories and preparation rooms are given, emphasizing storing and handling of flammable liquids. Two appendices are given: (1) flash points and autoignition temperatures of common flammable liquids; (2) content of a kit, with instructions, for cleaning up spills of flammable liquids. (JN)

Discusses the hazards of nitric acid and other nitrates, especially ammonium nitrate in the high school laboratory. Provides many historical accounts on the dangers of nitrates. (MVL)

Discusses the presentations of chemical demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and magic shows. Presents 12 guidelines to follow when presenting chemical demonstrations. Points out the obligations of the presenters for the safety concerns of the general public. Notes information available from the American Chemical Society. (MVL)

Presents a programed method that inventories and classifies hazards. 8iscusses the following topics: (1) student and hazard source, (2) elimination of the source, (3) adaptation of the source, (4) isolation of the source, (5) adjustment of the surroundings, (6) isolation of man, and (7) personal protective equipment. (MVL)

Describes the Alabama Science in Motion Program (ASIM) which provides hands-on science laboratories to high school students. Discusses the benefits of the program for host teachers and its impact on students and preservice teachers. (YDS)

This article discusses the rules science teachers need and how to implement these rules in the class. What should my science classroom rules be? Ideally, this question is asked prior to the teacher's entry to the classroom during their teacher training and revisited throughout their coursework preparation and student teaching. A science teacher…

Changes are occurring within Brazilian institutes of higher education; currently several universities are reviewing their course offerings and teaching approaches to determine if they meet the needs of today's undergraduate students. When changes are made to the curriculum of experimental courses, there should be an understood guarantee that all…

With each passing year, the public expects more of schools and teachers. Curricula become more complex, student populations become more diverse, responsibilities are added, and, except for resources, very little is taken away. Fundamentally, teachers are held responsible for everyone and everything that goes on in their classrooms, an awesome…

An objective of the American Chemical Society is to promote alternatives to landfilling for the disposal of laboratory chemical wastes. One method is to reduce the amount of chemicals that become wastes. This is the basis for the "less is better" philosophy. This bulletin discusses various techniques involved in purchasing control,…

Presents the academic and industrial perspectives on the need for additional emphasis on safety. Outlines one approach for teaching a safety-related course including five video sessions on a brief description; safety equipment and procedures; inspection of laboratory area; safety experiments; and reviews. (RT)

Recounts the problems of a high school chemistry program in safely storing and disposing of chemicals. Describes the school's new system of inventorying and dating all chemicals, using warning stickers, isolating certain hazardous substances, and cataloging references to the use of each chemical and its container. (TW)