Lab Safety: The Chem Games

Today's scary thought: all over the world, groups of unruly teenagers, whom you wouldn't even trust with your car, are regularly given full access to explosives, corrosive chemicals, poison, open flames, toxic gas, sharp objects, and highly breakable equipment--all in the name of education. Yes, we're talking about chemistry lab, and a good knowledge of the safety instructions contained on this video is the reason many potential disasters are avoided. Obviously, students need to be taught how to use and respect such volatile stuff, but let's face it, old '50s style straight-ahead footage demonstrating how to light a Bunsen burner correctly is intrinsically boring. However, this video opts for a more creative approach by presenting lab safety in the form of a fast-paced sports competition, complete with a cheesy commentator. Whether cleaning spills or performing acid dilution, each task executed by students is repeated in slow motion, complete with practical and specific "play-by-play" pointers. While the premise is rather silly, it works--basic lab safety is demonstrated and explained in an entertaining, but also very effective manner. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H. (E. Gieschen)