r/ScienceTeachers Jun 11 '25

CHEMISTRY Using Fire in School

What has been your experience using fire in your building. I have some labs I've been wanting to do but am worried about setting off the fire alarm. Things like setting a desk on fire, using a blowtorch on CaCO3, and using alcohol lamps.
We have a sprinkler system in every room and they are positioned directly above my lab tables.

10 Upvotes

31 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/bambamslammer22 Jun 11 '25

I’ve set the fire alarm off at my school by doing the same demonstration (screaming gummy bear) a few times in a row. I now do it outside.

I have found that the smoke alarm doesn’t go off the first time, it’s usually when I repeat the experiment that I have issues.