Sixty-seven deaths per week, nine per day, one every two hours: Motor-vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teenagers in the United States, and although fatalities have declined in recent years, almost 3,500 teenagers still die every year in motor vehicle crashes (NHTSA 2011). In fact, 35% of all deaths among 16- to 19-year-olds are…

Presents a scenario related to the disposal of potentially dangerous ether. Several suggestions for dealing with peroxide-forming compounds are included. (JN)

An accident prevention/safety check list for chemistry laboratories is printed. Included are checks of equipment, facilities, storage and handling of chemicals, laboratory procedures, instruction procedures, and items to be excluded from chemical laboratories. (SL)

Offers suggestions and outlines ten easy steps for assuring a safer science classroom environment. Includes such recommendations as: scheduling a safety inspection; displaying safety posters; enforcing a laboratory dress code; establishing a safety reference library; and updating safety report forms and procedures. (ML)

Presents two scenarios to illustrate the difference between liability and negligence. Also presents highlights of four actual cases related to laboratory security, appropriate facilities, proper instructions, and protective gear. (JN)

Discusses teacher liability in the science laboratory. Cites specific court cases to illustrate points. (MA)

This is an account of the discovery of a potentially dangerous high explosive chemical on storeroom shelves of secondary schools in Pennsylvania. A list of guidelines is given to eliminate problems in the future. (SA)

The trend toward inquiry-based learning is providing today's students with a more enriching education. When implementing inquiry it is important to recognize the great number of safety concerns that accompany this paradigm shift. Fortunately, with some consideration, teachers can shape students' laboratory experiments into safe and valuable…

Lab safety begins with the teacher. Teachers must make learning how to be safe an integral and important part of their professional development and work. Teachers who are unfamiliar with laboratory instruction should take whatever steps necessary to prepare for the unique challenges associated with safety in conducting laboratory investigations…

Science teachers often have two different curricula--the ideal framework on paper and the real, day-to-day instructional program that occurs in the classroom. A number of factors can affect how much of that ideal framework is accomplished. For example, how a facility is designed and how space is used can affect student achievement, classroom…

Points out the health and legal implications related to laboratory substances that could cause allergic reactions. Presents a list of potential cosmetic allergens and irritants. Includes precautionary measures dealing with allergy situations. (ML)

Suggestions are given for safety precautions in the secondary school science laboratory. Emphasis is placed on fire safety and identification of particularly hazardous situations. (SA)

Discussed are facts about tort liability in science education and strategies that can be used to avoid liability. Variables such as maturity, size, age, mental capacity of students, and the nature of the activities are addressed. Included are four cases in which teachers were held liable for accidents. (KR)

Describes the development of a 29-point questionnaire regarding safety in the science laboratory. Includes a copy of the questionnaire along with specific recommendations for action to take relating to each item on the questionnaire. (TW)