Science Safety
Insights and Articles

Liability of Science Teachers for Laboratory Science: NSTA Statement

Introduction  Laboratory investigations are essential for the effective teaching and learning of science (NSTA 2007). A school laboratory investigation (“lab”) is an experience in the laboratory, classroom, or the field that provides students with opportunities to interact directly with natural phenomena or with data collected by others using tools, materials, data collection techniques, and models

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Legal Implications of Duty of Care for Science Instruction: NSTA Statement

“Duty or Standard of Care” is defined as an obligation, recognized by law, requiring conformance to a certain standard of conduct to protect others against unreasonable risk (Prosser et al., 1984). This means that school staff and school or district leaders (supervisors/administrators) are required to actively anticipate foreseeable harm to students and to others in

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NSTA Statement on Duty or Standard of Care

“Duty or Standard of Care” is defined as an obligation, recognized by law, requiring conformance to a certain standard of conduct to protect others against unreasonable risk (Prosser et al., 1984). “The breach of a particular duty owed to a student or others may lead to liability for both the teacher and the school district

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NSELA Safety Position Statement on Safety & Duty of Care

Introduction: The National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) recommends all science education leaders advocate, establish and maintain safer school working/learning environments for science teachers and their students by implementing practices and policies that support safer teaching/learning environments. At a minimum, schools must meet the legal duty or standard of care owed to their students and

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Yes – you can receive federal funds to support teacher PD

Within the expectations of the ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) there are some provisions that allow for educator ‘Professional Development and Learning’ as an ‘acceptable expense’ for school districts. Title II of the Every Student Succeeds Act, offers innovative options for how this PD funding can be used, including investing in teacher leadership and teacher-led

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Be safe, Virginia Chemistry Accident – lit students on fire

Don’t Let this happen at your school. Implement a Science Safety Risk Management Process. Due to a Virginia chemistry accident, a senior at a Virginia high school said she’s ‘traumatized’ after the botched chemistry demonstration set multiple students and her teacher on fire. Bethanne Piland, 19, attended her second-period chemistry class at Dinwiddie High School Wednesday when her

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