Described is a simple test which uses micro- and macro-observations of onion root tips to demonstrate mutagenic and other toxic effects of various contaminants. Discussed are materials, methods, microscopic procedures, and applications of this activity. (CW)

Describes an activity in which students examine hypothetical exposure to toxins by being showered by different colored pieces of confetti over several visits to exposure sites. Students record quantities of confetti that stick to packing tape. Colors correspond to different toxins posing different health problems. Students process their findings…

This book of enrichment materials is an interdisciplinary study of soil designed for students in grades 6-9. The materials are presented in three units. Unit 1 contains eight activities in which students investigate soil science and study the social impact of soil by examining the history of land use by local Native Americans. Unit 2 contains 10…

On the premise that many laboratory instructors lack knowledge about chemical toxicity, this study investigated three areas: (1) chemicals used in the academic laboratory which pose a health hazard; (2) ways of reducing toxicity in the laboratory (with attention to the apparent lack of teacher training which contributes to the cause of the problem…

This report focuses on three 11-day summer institutes on "The Impact of Toxic and Hazardous Materials on Humans and the Environment" conducted for 90 secondary school science teachers over the course of three summers at Sonoma State University, California. These summer institutes were all followed up with in-service days during the…

This document was prepared in an effort to help science teachers, administrators, and school staff members in California understand and avoid situations in which accidents could occur in the science laboratory or on field trips and outdoor education experiences. It contains major sections on: (1) first aid (including information on animal and…

Reports the results of a laboratory safety survey of 37 schools in the Washington, DC area. Discusses the contents of the survey and the status of safety instructions and standards in secondary school chemistry laboratories. Cites efforts to improve instruction in the United States. (CW)

Discusses the need for chemistry laboratory safety procedures. Provides descriptions of techniques to increase students' awareness of the symptoms of such things as toxic gas clouds that could escape into the laboratory, along with defensive strategies for reacting to such situations. (TW)

This educational unit on solid waste solutions is intended to convey to students an understanding of the four methods of solid waste handling, in priority order, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency: (1) reduction in the volume of waste produced; (2) recycling and composting; (3) waste combustion, i.e., incineration of waste; and…

Materials containing hazardous substances present serious problems to human health and to the health of the environment. There are many potential problems related to the site of a house or apartment, the construction materials used in the house or the apartment, products and materials used in and around the home, and disposal of materials.…

This document is the student laboratory manual that was designed to accompany some of the experimental activities found in the teacher's guide to this general science course for ninth graders. It contains laboratory worksheets for lessons on such topics as: (1) soil; (2) hazardous waste; (3) wildlife refuges; (4) the water cycle; (5) water…

This 10-chapter handbook (designed for science teachers and school administrators) describes known hazards associated with science teaching and provides information to develop a framework for local safety programs specifically designed to avoid or neutralize the effects of such hazards. Major areas addressed in the chapters include: (1) the nature…

This curriculum consists of a one-week course of study designed to introduce students in grades 9-12 to (or increase their awareness of) toxic substances commonly found in the home. It includes an introduction/conceptual framework, five lessons, a unit test, and appendices. Each lesson consists of a statement of purpose, objectives, list of…

Encourages instruction about disposal of hazardous wastes in college chemistry laboratories as an integral part of experiments done by students. Discusses methods such as down-the-drain disposal, lab-pack disposal, precipitation and disposal, and precipitation and recovery. Suggests that faculty and students take more responsibility for waste…

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)