Calling science teachers... Unsafe/Poor experiments??

[poohbear2]

I am writing a paper on poor science labs/experiments that should not be conducted in the classroom because of either
safety, health or time issues. I thought of a couple; taking blood samples and using candles for heat. But I am wondering if you have any other examples? Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Mixing explosive compounds.

 

[gallaj0]

I had a science teacher once that mixed up some chemicals to make some chlorine gas. He then walked about the room with the beaker in hand, holding it under people's noses and wafting it at them for them to smell.

Bad idea.

 

[diznygirl]

We melted moth balls in a test tube - I'm not sure why - but we accidently tilted the test tube and the fumes ignited - green flames - how cool!!

But probably not safe......

 

[laurie31]

When I was in 7th grade, our science teacher started a fire while demonstrating to us how strong acids and bases react together

In 9th grade, we actually pricked our fingers and determined our blood type with a microscope. I guess that would be taboo these days!

In college, my lab partner didn't put her hair back one day and the bunsen burner caught it on fire Fortunately, we put it out quickly. And the weird thing is, her hair didn't burn - it MELTED! She had on so much hair spray! Gotta love the 80's- lol!

Laurie

 

[Toby'sFriend]

what fun is High School without a couple of lab accidents?

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

In HS I had a science teacher that started a small fire!

I don't remember the compound, but it is something that shouldn't be exposed to air. He even said... I shouldn't do this, but he took it out and was trying to cut it in half to show us the inside and it just flamed up right then and there.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

OOOOH, I thought of another one. It was in our anatomy class in HS. Or biology class? anyway... we were studying the sense of touch. He had pins adhered to a piece of wood, and we were supposed to close our eyes and have our partner put the pins on different parts of the body so we could try and differentiate how many pins on each piece of wood... ie our lips are more sensitive than our arms. I refused at that time even to have them put that on my lips. YUCK! I can't imagine how many people's mouth's those pins had been on. Not to mention the fact that I don't think you should be poking your classmates with pins!

 

[grlpwrd]

Originally posted by poohbear2
I am writing a paper on poor science labs/experiments that should not be conducted in the classroom because of either
safety, health or time issues. I thought of a couple; taking blood samples and using candles for heat. But I am wondering if you have any other examples? Thanks in advance for any ideas!

I'm not a science teacher, but I have worked in labs as a college student and I am Girl Scout leader who does a lot of science and math projects with the kids.

Basically, anything that 1) can cause bodily harm, 2) can expose you to pathogens/diseases by exposure to bodily fluids without proper protections, and 3) can compromise your religious or personal beliefs. For example, I know Jehovah Witnesses don't believe in blood transfusions and Muslim and Jewish folks have tenents (sp?) that can restrict their participation. Vegans, too, and animal lovers in general have their beliefs regarding animals.

edited: oh well, those might not apply to safety, health, or time issues, but they are issues nonetheless.

HTH*

 

[Danauk]

Having long hair and then leaning over a bunsen burner. Not a good idea, my science teacher did that and burned her fringe off!!

Not mopping up chemical spills straight away. This happened at school and then someone accidentally dropped the light when lighting the bunsen burner and set the bench on fire.

 

[Rokkitsci]

Originally posted by PRINCESS VIJA
In HS I had a science teacher that started a small fire!

I don't remember the compound, but it is something that shouldn't be exposed to air. He even said... I shouldn't do this, but he took it out and was trying to cut it in half to show us the inside and it just flamed up right then and there.

Probably sodium.

Any HS lab that hasn't had an accident with sodium is just not trying.

Concerning the chlorine gas - my HS lab teacher did the same thing, but I didn't hear the instruction to just wave you hand over the beaker and take a whiff - I stuck my nose in it and took a deep breath - almost died on the spot - dangerous.

Any experiment that involves heating chemicals has the potential to be dangerous.