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…

General and specific safety procedures and recommendations for secondary school science laboratories are provided in this guide. Areas of concern include: (1) chemicals (storage, disposal, toxicity, unstable and incompatible chemicals); (2) microorganisms; (3) plants; (4) animals; (5) electricity; (6) lasers; (7) rockets; (8) eye safety and…

This handbook, written specially for the San Diego Public School System, contains detailed discussions on first aid, good laboratory practices, safety in the laboratory, and laws regulating the care and use of animals. The section on "First Aid" presents, in addition to standard first aid information, a discussion of first-aid kits for…

Describes events leading to a flood in the Wehr Chemistry Laboratory at Marquette University, discussing steps taken to minimize damage upon discovery. Analyzes the problem of flooding in the chemical laboratory and outlines seven steps of flood control: prevention; minimization; early detection; stopping the flood; evaluation; clean-up; and…

Discusses indoor air pollution in general and formaldehyde in particular, citing major sources of formaldehyde in home building materials and home furnishings. Also describes a laboratory procedure necessary to test for formaldehyde levels in the air and in materials. Includes list of equipment required. (JM)

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…

Several potential safety problems are identified relative to science teaching: the use of bottled gas or alcohol lamps as heat sources, the hazards of Millon's Reagent for testing for proteins, and the use of silicon tetrachloride to demonstrate properties of chlorides. Science teachers are also warned about potentially dangerous procedures…

The use of live animals in the secondary school laboratory is discussed along with suggestions for increasing the use of live animals and challenges to those teachers who restrict this use. (SA)

Described is a plan used in Iowa to remove stockpiled, unwanted chemicals from storeroom shelves. Points out that the plan takes 12-15 months to complete. Notes the average cost per district was $575. (MVL)

Estimates that about 30,000 universities, colleges, and high schools produce a total of 4000 metric tons of hazardous waste annually. Discusses the difficulties that academic institutions have in disposing of small amounts of waste. Lists college courses with the potentially hazardous wastes usually produced. (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…

This paper presents a viewpoint on educator responsibilities toward helping youth develop the skills necessary to cope with life as well as consideration on how to present science in a safe environment. Discussions include safety in the learning environment, litigation, effective teaching, effective schools, the goals of science, and the mandate…

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)

Describes an experiment involving pineapples and gelatin that allows students to investigate the conditions that typically render an enzyme functionless, similar to the effect of nerve gasses. Discusses the materials, procedures, and results, drawing analogies to the effects of a nerve gas. (CW)