All of this goes to one of my pet peeves - why do science educators think that they must do demos with flame, explosions, or the like?? I hear the excuses "We have to get the students excited about science!" My response as a polite Texan is "This is pure, unadulterated bull poop!"
I know - there are a plethora of videos out there on YouTube showing "backyard chemistry" demos where the people (usually kids) involved narrowly avoid disastrous injury and collapse in laughing fits and whoops. (One of the video links posted on another thread, showed viewers how to make a "flame thrower!" Good grief!!!) So, everyone who sees these videos, including teachers and demonstrators, think they have do it, too. In fact, they even promote the videos by saying they will tell you how to do it - and nearly every one of them has no precautionary statements nor use any safety equipment, not even safety glasses!
Personally, I would like to see these activities stopped completely in schools. However, I do think there are a few exceptions. One of which is if the activity demonstrates a principle that is DIRECTLY tied the lesson, if a video of that activity does not exist, and if the demonstrator fully knows the chemistry and properly prepares for the hazards and risks of doing the demonstration. These types of demos should be the exception - not the rule!
A charismatic, talented science teacher can excite students about chemistry and the world around us without endangering folks. I think back to my own childhood and my Dad (a physician who majored in chemistry as an undergraduate) who showed me the wondrous chemistry found in the kitchen and in our bodies. My high school chemistry and physics teachers showed us applications of chemistry around us in metallurgy and material science, petrochemicals, biochemistry, soil and water chemistry, and the list goes on. They NEVER used demos that go "Boom" or that flame. Being from behind the "Pine Curtain" in deep east Texas, we knew too well of the tragic accident at New London in 1937 where a methane leak ignited, blew up the school and killed nearly 300 students and teachers. (This is the reason malodorant is added to natural gas. New London is about 30 miles from where I grew up.) This accident was still too fresh and painful for many in my town who lost a relative or had a relative severely injured.
To echo Monique, "What do we do?"
My fear is that it is a losing battle. Science educators have to battle YouTube videos, the "JackAss" movies, theatrical/movie stunts, etc. They have to battle colleagues who are perceived by students to be "cool" because they do these demos. They have to battle to attract students to their programs. Where does it end?
Students, educators and others will attempt to replicate whatever they see, either in person or on videos, and will not give one moment's consideration to the dangers or consequences. Many times they get away with it. When they don't, the injuries are dramatic and reported on the news.
I think all we can do is stay vigilant. If it's appropriate, grab the microphone and speak out on various news outlets. Get involved with our local schools and teachers.
