Designed for high school science teachers, the document warns of potential health threats of performing certain experiments and using certain chemicals or chemical combinations in their courses. Following a rationale for more carefully considering health dangers, the document gives suggestions on what can be done by teachers. Reports such as a…

A comprehensive checklist is presented for assistance in planning and remodeling all types of industrial arts facilities. Items to be rated are in the form of suggestions or specifications related to facility function. Categories developed include--(1) purpose, (2) general laboratory arrangement, (3) hand tools and storage, (4) room safety, (5)…

A list of the articles and papers in the science facilities collection of the Architectural Services Staff is presented. It has been prepared to serve as a bibliography that may be useful to persons searching for data on the design of science facilities, and as a means of informing such persons of the material available for reference in the…

The complexity of today's research laboratories requires a completely controllable environmental surrounding. Research facilities require carefully controlled temperatures, relative humidity, and moisture, and must be free of interference from air-borne sound, mechanical vibrations, and electrical sources. Also desirable are special power…

Addresses some concerns about the safety of handicapped students in school science laboratories, along with some of the litigating factors involved in not addressing those concerns. Offers some general suggestions for teachers in working with handicapped students, and describes specific laboratory teaching approaches for students with different…

Suggests the use of small canopy hoods that provide flexibility of vertical and horizontal adjustment over the lab bench as a replacement for permanent hoods. Includes many safety related instances where canopy hoods should be used. (MVL)

This paper on science instruction for learners with mental disabilities reviews the limited literature base in the field and provides practical information on teaching science in special settings. To assist in implementing best instructional practices in science education, the paper discusses the curricular make-up of science instruction; various…

This pamphlet offers suggestions for improving laboratory safety. It is based on the notion that having an understanding of inherent hazards and learning how to be safe should be an integral and important part of science education. It is organized into "steps requiring minimal expense" and "steps requiring moderate expense." Included in these…

Laboratory experiences as a part of most U.S. high school science curricula have been taken for granted for decades, but they have rarely been carefully examined. What do they contribute to science learning? What can they contribute to science learning? What is the current status of labs in our nation s high schools as a context for learning…

Presents a practical and attractive alternative to the sand bath used in the microscale procedures developed by Mayo, Pike, and Butcher. Urges the organic chemistry teaching community to continue towards complete conversion to microscale techniques. Presents the use of aluminum devices in the microlaboratory. (MVL)

Presents relevant statistics accumulated in a fall organic laboratory course. Discusses laboratory equipment setup to lower the amount of waste. Notes decreased solid wastes were produced compared to the previous semester. (MVL)

Research indicates that students with exceptionalities such as visual impairments are more academically successful when they are included in the regular classroom setting and have opportunities to engage in active learning. Therefore, science educators must address their needs by motivating visually impaired students in science and making…

Factors for the planning of functional, economical and safe laboratory facilities are discussed, with emphasis on the economical results of planning for a specific purpose and for the specific needs of each occupant. A questionnaire is suggested as a useful tool for determining requirements. Other areas for consideration include--(1) laboratory…

Evaluates and compares common eyewash stations currently being used in laboratories. Discusses types available, installation, water supply needs, and maintenance. Lists current OSHA eyewash station standards. (ML)

Describes the absorption and containment (AC) approach to laboratory chemical-spill cleanup. Discusses currently recommended chemical-spill cleanup procedures and evaluates commercially available cleanup materials. Promotes the use of the AC method in terms of its relative safety, availability of materials, and ease of instruction. (TW)