Class Safety

“I’m excited about today’s lab with the microwave!’ exclaimed Mo.

“Yes,” replied Sam. “I am especially excited that it works for me the same way it works for you. I don’t need any accommodations.”

“I agree,” replied Mo. “I think this is a great opportunity for us to investigate an experimental design question.”

Sam asked what Mo had in mind. Sam wasn’t sure this was a good idea, to just design an experiment and try it in the lab without first writing the protocol and having it approved by the instructor. Mo convinced Sam that it would be safe. “We will just use soap, and we know that is not harmful in any way. And I have a microwave in my house, so that must be ok to use,” Mo said explaining the logic. Sam was wary, but since Mo was sighted and able to move around the lab, the plan was made.

Mo would take a bar of soap and put it in a mason jar (so there would be no mess) in the microwave to investigate the melting hotspots. Mo wasn’t sure of the time that would be required, but Sam remembered something about 25. So, Mo planned to set up their experiment as soon as they entered the lab, set the microwave for 25 minutes, and then get ready to do the day’s experiment while their design experiment ran.

Mo was convinced that this experiment would work, and then they would get extra credit for doing such an original experiment in the lab. Sam had questions about the plan but liked the idea of extra credit.

Professor Watchful opened the door to the lab and welcomed the students in. Sam and Neon, Sam’s dog, took a seat near the door on the first lab bench. Mo immediately began finding ways to stick the bar of soap into a mason jar and put it into the microwave. The timer was set for 25 minutes, and start was pressed. Then Mo returned to the lab bench and began arranging the materials on the bench for the experiment they were supposed to perform that lab period. Neon lay on the floor by Sam’s feet.

Sam and Mo were involved in their class experiment when Neon started to nudge Sam. Sam ignored it and told her to be still. They continued working. Neon began to whimper. Sam pet Neon and told her to be still.

Sam smelled something, but assumed it was from the organic lab next door. Mo didn’t seem to notice. The smell started to get stronger. Neon started to bark.

Professor Watchful, noticing something was not right, walked to the microwave. Smoke started to bellow out. He opened the microwave door and black smoke, with particulate ash streamed from the microwave. “Everyone stop, shut down your work and leave the lab as quickly as possible!” Professor Watchful instructed.

Professor Watchful tried to remove the material from the microwave, but it was burning, black and oozing. The glass door on the microwave had cracked and there was a huge mess inside.

Professor Watchful went out and thanked Neon for the alert. After inquiring and learning of the unauthorized experiment, Professor Watchful gave the entire class a zero on the lab for the day. Since the fire was out, everyone was allowed to return to clean up their work areas, and leave.

Task:

1. Identify the person most responsible for the bad grade.
2. Describe why the person you selected is the most responsible. Identify the actions that convinced you of their fault.
3. Propose actions that each character could take to create a safer learning experience in the following class period.