Our Story

How It Started

What began as a chemistry experiment for a school “magic show” became an experience that changed the way I think about laboratory safety.

The day we began preparing the experiment, our teacher showed us where the chemical compounds, methanol, and lighters were, and we continued preparing the demonstration ourselves. Although our instructions called for beakers, we were encouraged to use watch glasses to make the experiment more visually appealing. Over the next several weeks, we practiced the demonstration multiple times in our classroom and experimented with different chemicals. During this preparation, however, basic safety precautions were not consistently enforced. Hair was often left down, and we were not consistently reminded to wear safety goggles. We also were not taught where the fire extinguisher was or provided with a fire blanket.

The Day of the Incident

On the day of the magic show, we transported our materials to the neighboring middle school and performed the experiment three times before the incident occurred.

While I was presenting my portion of the project, I suddenly heard a scream. I turned and saw that the experiment’s fire exploded, with flames reaching my two friends. Everyone immediately began trying to get away from the fire. The room was evacuated, and I watched as teachers and students rushed to help them.

I remember standing outside the classroom, crying and struggling to process what I had just witnessed. Students were being evacuated from the building while teachers and staff responded to the situation. Eventually, I returned to my high school with several friends who stayed beside me and helped me through the walk back.

When I got home, I was still shaken by what had happened. In the following days, I struggled to sleep without thinking about the incident. This experience has stayed with me long after the demonstration ended.

My friends suffered burns up to third degree, and they are still recovering to this day.

Why I Started This Initiative

This experience made me realize that laboratory safety is not simply about knowing that an experiment can be dangerous. Students need clear procedures, appropriate safety equipment, proper supervision, and consistent enforcement of safety rules before they ever begin an experiment.

I began researching classroom laboratory safety and looking into how schools can better protect students during demonstrations involving flammable chemicals. That research became the foundation for Project Student Lab Safety—an effort to raise awareness, advocate for stronger safety standards in school chemistry classrooms, and bring these issues to the government.

My goal is not to discourage hands-on science. I believe students should be able to learn through experiments without having to compromise their safety. Through this initiative, I hope to turn my experience into meaningful change that can help protect other students.