“It is important that students at the school get hands-on science experience in the classroom in a safe environment,” the statement read.
“This deepens the learning experience, making science more engaging and relevant to students. The key to getting this right is risk management through sensible risk mitigation.”
Separate investigations have been launched by NSW Police, SafeWork NSW and the NSW Department of Education.
Police have established a crime scene and are examining whether a criminal offense has been committed, and SafeWork NSW is investigating whether the incident occurred in a safe working environment.
While the findings and details have yet to be released, Science ASSIST manager Teresa Gigengack said it could prompt a rethink of the guidelines her organization issues.
Science ASSIST provides school science educators with information, resources, and tips on safety in the school science lab.
“I wouldn’t want to ban all activities, but certainly if there have been major issues like significant burns, that needs to be reviewed and maybe should be banned,” Gigengack said.
The experiment at Manly West Public School is believed to have been the “carbon sugar snake”.Credit:edwina pickles
University of Sydney chemistry professor Peter Rutledge said he conducted the sugar snake experiment on freshmen, but there was nothing “intrinsically dangerous”.
“Normally it’s a very slow reaction,” he said.
Rutledge often does the demo in the front of a conference room, but said doing it in an open space was generally a good move, except for windy conditions that could send materials flying.
Our Latest News Alert Will notify you of important breaking news when it happens. get it here.