The primary goal of this program is to provide tools, training, and mentor support to Utah science teachers in matters of chemical safety. The program should empower teachers to create a reasonably safe laboratory environment without sacrificing a strong hands-on approach to learning science. This program involves school support personnel, administrators at every level, and a variety of public safety services. Furthermore, this program is intended to be an on-going, proactive process. The goal is to enlist the participation of every science teacher in the state, especially chemistry teachers.
Chemical safety is an area of science education that needs to be attended to vigilantly.
Most accidents occur because of neglect, poor judgment, or ignorance. Utah science teachers should use this program to improve safety in their schools and to educate themselves and their students. This program is not merely a checklist of do s and don'ts. It is an on-going program to train science teachers. Regardless, no program can free teachers, administrators and other personnel from risk or personal responsibility.