In this age of computer simulations replacing real laboratory experiments in our classes, we sometimes forget that real science can expose us to real danger. A news story from Spartanburg SC illustrates the point well.
15 high school students are recovering after a science experiment exploded in a Spartanburg County classroom.
Instructors at Woodruff High School were attempting to show the volatility of mixing sodium and water, creating sodium hydroxide, when the mixture exploded in a Pyrex dish. Glass and other debris hit some students nearby. The mixture also got onto several of the students. School nurses immediately washed down the students, but at least two of the students were sent to local doctors for treatment.
Sodium and water makes for a cool chemistry demonstration. Heck, I remember it from my tenth grade chemistry class because it burned a hole in the ceiling. Still, having to send several students to off-campus doctors makes it sound like someone wasn’t being very careful.
I hope, at least, that this demo was done in a lab setting (with access to eye wash stations and safety showers) and the students were wearing some eye protection.
Updated: Here’s another news story about the accident.
Fifteen students were hit by debris or chemicals from the reaction.
Either it was a heck of a violent explosion, or someone forgot to tell the kids to stand back.
A revision of the WYFF article above includes a picture of a student with a red mark from "flying debris" right below the eye. It sounds more and more like the students were gathered round the demonstration with no safety equipment on. Bad policy for something that’s potentially explosive.