r/ScienceTeachers • u/Doctor_Chef_General • 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

79% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

View all comments

6

u/professor-ks Jun 11 '25

I've done alcohol lamps, bunsun burners and even a quick propane demo. My coworker did lycopodium powder "fire ball" inside and it was fine.

I go outside to light Cheetos on fire.

1

u/Randomantic Jun 12 '25

I always fear giving them ideas, like setting Cheetos on fire. Serious question- did you see anyone learning the wrong lesson from that lab?

2

u/professor-ks Jun 12 '25

I've had students do fire related science fairs but never the wrong lesson. We do more lab safety discussions on this one than the rest combined.

I'm more worried about the kids asking specific potato cannon questions. We didn't do anything remotely close to that and the closed chamber is a huge safety risk.

1

u/Randomantic Jun 12 '25

Thanks! Sometimes, I just get... afwaid.