Accidents in Elementary School Science Classes over the Last 30 Years

Abstract

Scientific experiments and observations are important for science classes in elementary schools. However, accidents during science classes are reported every year. In this study, we investigate accidents in science classes in elementary school based on statistics and our research. Our results are as follows: (1) Most accidents happen during the 4th grade topic “Metal, water, air and temperature”, and the 6th grade topics “Mechanism of combustion”, “Properties of aqueous solutions”, and “Nutrition of plants and the pathway of water”. These accidents include fatal accidents. (2) A questionnaire survey of elementary school teachers showed that they thought these topics were related to fatal accidents. (3) According to the statistics on the injuries, the number of scratches or cuts is higher than that of burns. In science lessons, it is considered that the accidents happen during experiments and observations based on the statistics. (4) The incidence rate of accidents per student for one year was higher than probability 10^-6 that was ignorant ratio of accidents. The incidence of accidents in elementary school science classes must be reduced. (5) Based on statistics from the last 30 years, more boys than girls were injured in science experiments. The information we have gathered about accidents in elementary school science classes is valuable for the improvement of students’ safety in science education.