R10. Science in the Home

R10.1 Few were spontaneously aware of chemicals in the house. However, after consideration most acknowledged that bleach, cleaning fluids and powders, medicines, garden equipment and various DIY solutions were all potentially hazardous chemicals stored and used in the home.

R10.2 At present, even the older students had little to do with these chemicals, except perhaps the medicines. Their mothers handled the bleach and did most of the 'serious' cleaning.

R10.3 Having already been taught to treat these chemicals with respect and having generally kept away from them for most of the time, few felt that safety taught in science lessons had done anything other than reinforce what their parents have already taught them.

R10.4 However, some did recognise that general safety conduct, whether taught at home or in science, DT. or PE lessons, when fully internalised, does encourage an often unconscious approach to 'real life' situations that reduces the potential for accidents to occur.

"You've got to learn how to do things properly. How to take the right safety precautions."
(F, 10-11)

"They just drum into you good safety practice. It becomes second nature. It should stay with you long after school."
(M, 17-18)

"It's important that they learn how to handle hazardous materials. The biggest priority is that they become aware of them. You can't wrap them in cotton wool."
(Secondary Teacher)