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)

Recounts a high school chemistry lab explosion while distilling alcohols. Proposes peroxide formation in older samples of alcohols as the cause. Lists commonly found laboratory alcohols and their peroxide concentrations. Discusses methodology for both detecting and removing peroxides. (MVL)

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)

This multimedia kit includes a teacher's manual, video, and activity packet. The unique interactive course uses safe, controlled dynamic experiments to teach kids about chemistry, the proper handling of chemicals, and responsible product stewardship. Students are asked to hypothesize about chemical substances, collect and analyze data, and share…

Lists five module objectives and discusses the overall need for the modules. Indicates each module is preceded by a statement of the problem and objectives are aimed specifically at the anticipation and reduction of potential hazards. Offers examples of modules on fume hoods and on disposal of waste. (MVL)

This document was designed to help teachers provide ninth grade students in New York City with opportunities to learn about scientific processes as well as basic reasoning skills which underlie problem-solving processes in scientific and nonscientific disciplines. The first section of the guide, "The Environment," contains lessons which…

This paper investigates the links between environmental management, hazard management, and education in Australia. The purpose of the paper is to show that hazards are a major aspect of the environment of all students, hazard education is fundamental to effective hazard management in a democratic society, and hazard education should be regarded as…

Argues for the introduction of a college level safety course for chemistry majors and surveys college catalog offerings to determine course status in American Chemical Society approved departments. Concludes that six percent of approved departments offer a formal safety course. (ML)

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)

Discusses a new program at the University of Michigan in hazardous waste management. Describes a laboratory demonstration that deals with the reactivity and potential violence of several reactions that may be encountered on a hazardous waste site. Provides criteria for selecting particular compatibility testing methods. (TW)

Based on the principle that safety education should be a vital component in science instruction, this manual was designed to assist elementary teachers in doing more experiments and activities more confidently by making them aware of dangers and precautions. It also aims to make students aware that safety is a lifetime process and responsibility.…

Describes a course offered at the United States Coast Guard Academy that deals with the marine transportation of hazardous materials. Outlines the major topics covered in the course, including marine transportation regulations. Discusses the use of lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and "hands-on" activities in the instructional…

Describes two methods to teach radioactive decay to secondary students with wide ranging abilities. Activities are designed to follow classroom discussions of atomic structure, transmutation, half life, and nuclear decay. Includes "The Tasmanian Empire: A Radioactive Dating Activity" and an exercise to teach concepts of half life without…

Describes a teaching activity consisting of a problem-solving story about a company in a small town that is burying hazardous material which may create future problems for the community. The activity challenges students to address ethical issues relative to responsibility and accountability for protection of the water supply. (PR)