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Previous by Date: Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Liquid methane experiment in class Date: Friday, April 10, 2015 8:59:46 AM Author: Ken Simolo <simolo**At_Symbol_Here**CHEM.CHEM.ROCHESTER.EDU> |
Next by Date: Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Liquid methane experiment in class Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2015 09:38:13 -0400 Author: Ralph Stuart |
I agree, Edward. It teaches that flame can be flung around harmlessly--a dangerous premise.
As a voter on the NFPA 160 standard for fire effects before a proximal audience and as someone familiar with the matrix risk assessment routinely used in the UK for theatrical special effects, why not have science teachers do a matrix risk assessment prior to considering all potentially hazardous demos? And as in the UK, have the teacher also sign and file the risk assessment. They might think before signing.
For example, the matrix includes thinking of all the possible complications that might occur. How about someone having a book bag on the floor that is not made of properly fire retarded material--a common problem with Chinese recalled goods. Or someone is wearing pants or socks of polyester or other fabrics that melt or can catch fire?
I'm so disturbed at the post that noted this went out on national TV as a cool thing.
Monona Rossol, M.S., M.F.A., Industrial Hygienist
President: Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc.
Safety Officer: Local USA829, IATSE
181 Thompson St., #23
New York, NY 10012 212-777-0062
-----Original Message-----
From: McGrath Edward J <Edward.McGrath**At_Symbol_Here**REDCLAY.K12.DE.US>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Sent: Fri, Apr 10, 2015 8:46 am
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Liquid methane experiment in class
Besides the obvious disregard for personal safety (I can't figure out if the teacher is wearing goggles or a pair of glasses-regardless, if they are goggles, they are the wrong kind), the message here seems to be that science education is all about dazzling our students and putting on a show. Even if this demonstration was appropriate for a K-12 setting, and was done with appropriate safety procedures in place, my first question to the teacher would be, "what is the learning objective, and how would you measure that objective?"
We've established that this demo is not safe. However, it isn't science either. It's entertainment. One of the struggles the science education community deals with from all sides is the need to include safety education in with science education. I tell my teachers that their lesson plans should always include a comment about how safety is ensured. The trouble is, principals don't see the need for this, students definitely don't see the need for this, sometimes vendors of science materials don't see the need for this (although vendors are usually much more in tune with the safety message). And teachers really believe if it worked 100 times before, it will always work.
I know everybody is perpetually busy, but if you have the ability and the time, I encourage you to visit a local school, and let the students, teachers, and administration know
1) What science is all about in the "real world." In many cases, it's not what they think, and
2) Safer practice is not just a good idea or a poster slogan. It is a culture, and if it's not nurtured, tragedy will strike sooner or later.
Eddie McGrath
Edward J. McGrath
Supervisor of Science
Red Clay Consolidated School District
1502 Spruce Avenue
Wilmington DE 19805
(302) 552-3768
We did not inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We borrowed it from our children.
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Monona Rossol
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2015 3:31 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Liquid methane experiment in class
The guy seems to look like he is fully mature and he has a job teaching. If he made it to this age and has this level of common sense, I'd do him a favor and fire him before he hurts someone. He should not be around young people who, by definition, have plenty of stupid ideas of their own.
Even if you train him to understand about this kind of hazard, how many other bad ideas lurk there waiting for a chance to be on a video?
That said, I want you on the jury at my trial if I do something stupid.
Monona Rossol, M.S., M.F.A., Industrial Hygienist
President: Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc.
Safety Officer: Local USA829, IATSE
181 Thompson St., #23
New York, NY 10012 212-777-0062
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Simolo <simolo**At_Symbol_Here**CHEM.CHEM.ROCHESTER.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Sent: Thu, Apr 9, 2015 3:05 pm
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Liquid methane experiment in class
Other than as an example, there is little value in punishing the person. It is
much better to educate people in the error of their ways and turn them into
advocates for safety. I do not know the individual involved but my guess is
that he is a popular, dedicated teacher who has nothing but the best of
intentions. Would I ever do what he is doing? No, I would not. But he has
likely seen numerous examples of this being done and is not thinking about the
potential ramifications of his actions, not just to his class but to others who
see it and repeat it. I would feel differently if the person insisted what they
were doing was safe and continued to do it. What he is doing is one of those
examples of an act where you might get away with it hundreds of times before
something goes horribly wrong.
Ken
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