The Standard of Care in STEM Education | October 26, 2026 Schools are continually introducing new technologies to enhance learning and improve the student experience. However, innovation brings responsibilities that school leaders cannot afford to overlook. Two developments from the past week highlight an important reality: Just because equipment is commonly used in schools does not mean its risks have been adequately assessed. 1. 3D Printers: The Hazards You Cannot See On Oc

A recent incident in which a student was hospitalized after a science project caught fire highlights an important reality for educators: science projects are among the most difficult activities to manage from a safety standpoint. Read the full article here: https://www.wdrb.com/news/student-hospitalized-after-science-project-catches-fire-at-st-matthews-school/article_f74dae10-58fe-420d-a56e-f2d3dfdb1335.html As Ken Roy first noted on X, this situation reinforces the need for

Lithium-ion batteries power modern education. They are found in laptops, tablets, robotic equipment, power tools, e-bikes, cell phones, and increasingly, electric school buses. These batteries are efficient, compact, and powerful. However, they also pose a risk of catastrophic failure. At the center of this risk is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway . If you are a superintendent, principal, STEM supervisor, facilities director, or board member, it is essential to understan

Modern homes are filled with convenience. Phones, tablets, tools, toys, and appliances keep us connected and productive. But behind that convenience is a growing, often overlooked risk: devices that stay plugged in long after we stop using them . A recent Yahoo Lifestyle article outlines seven household items that should always be unplugged when not in use , noting that many continue drawing power even when switched “off.” Over time, that constant energy flow can contribute

Leaving a Li-ion battery charging unattended can lead to a failure Holiday breaks are a time to rest, recharge, and step away from our buildings. Unfortunately, preventable fires do occur , often in empty schools, offices, and other facilities. One of the most common and overlooked risks is lithium-ion battery chargers left plugged in during extended closures. Why This Matters Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere: laptops, tablets, radios, power tools, e-bikes, scooters, dr

In Moorestown, NJ, a teenager was recently charged after an illegal explosives lab was discovered in their home’s basement. Authorities recovered highly volatile chemicals and described the situation as a “ticking time bomb.” 🔗 ABC News This incident is a stark reminder that science doesn’t stay in the lab—it follows students home. That’s why Chemical Hygiene Citizenry is not just a school policy issue; it’s a community-wide responsibility. 🧪 Students must understand that

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Li-Ion Battery failures can happen anywhere. We often associate danger with labs, factories, or industrial settings—not our own homes....

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A recent news story from WFSB sheds light on a troubling trend: students inserting metal objects like paper clips and pushpins into...