Mr Benroy

I taught HS Chemistry for 35 years and have been teaching Lab safety and Lab Management courses to teachers for 20 years.

One of the lessons I learned the hard way was to NEVER accept donations of reagents or used lab equipment form other institutions. You usually end up with a large hazard disposal bill for the material. Also you may have used materials totally unsuited to a HS course, and exposed you and your students to unknown chemical hazards.

Donations from reputable vendors of new reagents or equipment are to be prized, as well as from known established institutions such as local universities or High Schools. However, you need ask for an inventory of the donation prior to accepting it for the purpose of selecting new donated materials that you are familiar with and know you will be using. Do not be afraid of offending a donor if the donation is not suitable for your school.

Douglas Mandt

Science Education Consultant