A glass bottle exploded in the science lab during a chemistry demonstration on Feb. 6 shortly after noon, injuring students and the teacher.
The chemistry teacher was performing the “whoosh bottle” demonstration for their chemistry class. During this combustion reaction involving alcohol vapors being ignited inside a glass container, the glass bottle exploded. The experiment had been performed safely dozens of times before, but suddenly this time around, it resulted in a glass failure.
“I’ve done it many, many times–probably over 75 to 100 times,” the chemistry teacher said. “Something was different this time in terms of environmental factors. I’m not quite sure what the cause was, but the glass failed.”
Because of the glass failure, this sent pieces of glass flying across the lab, which resulted in minor injuries. According to the school nurses, six students and the teacher were injured. The nurses made it clear that all injuries were minor.
“There was only one (student) that needed treatment beyond what we could provide for them here,” school nurse Bethany Mendez said. “But everything else we were able to take care of here.”
In the immediate aftermath, panic and fear spread through the lab as the students and teacher processed what had happened.
“At that point when things like that happen, you kind of go on automatic,” the chemistry teacher said. “So my first thought was get help, get people up there to make sure that everybody was okay.”
The teacher immediately called the school nurses for assistance. At that time, injured students were taken down to the nurses clinic, where all injuries were evaluated. Most injuries were minor, with only one student requiring stitches.
After the explosion, the news spread quickly throughout the school, leading to questions about what had caused the glass to break.
“(The bottles) were around when I first started teaching here,” the chemistry teacher said. “They were a pyrex type of glass. They are designed for the thermal change, but it could have been a matter of age factors. There is a lot of different factors.”
While the exact factor remains unknown, one thing is clear: the whoosh bottle will no longer be conducted at SHS again.
This incident has also prompted a review of lab safety procedures.
“We have done a complete evaluation of safety protocols,” the chemistry teacher said.
Some demonstrations will be eliminated altogether. Additionally, the importance of lab safety and protective equipment will be further emphasized to students.
Reflecting on the experience, the chemistry teacher acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“It was a near death experience. I’m surprised I survived,” the chemistry teacher said.
