Science teachers at Schalmont High School are taking a new approach to chemistry after being selected by the state to bring green practices into the classroom.
The Department of Environmental Conservation selected Schalmont as the second school to participate in the NYS Green Chemistry in Schools pilot program, which aims to reduce usage of toxic and hazardous chemicals in the high school laboratories. DEC officials also claim using less of the toxic chemicals can provide additional cost savings for schools.
DEC officials will provide training and assistance to teachers, including providing alternative chemistry experiments using no harmful chemicals but remaining similar to current lessons.
DEC representatives and school officials did a chemical inventory of the school’s supplies on Tuesday, Dec. 20, setting aside large bottles of chemicals recommended for removal and proper disposal. Funds are provided by the state through the program to cover disposal.
“I don’t think people realize how many chemical they have,” said Lynn Tarnowski, chemical hygiene officer for the DEC, standing next to a bevy of cardboard boxes filled with chemicals to remove.
Aida Potter, chief of toxics reduction and green chemistry for DEC, said the chemicals were not only potentially harmful to human health, but also the environment.
Deborah Knight, an environmental program specialist, added the program it is raising awareness of green initiatives.
“It is training the next generation of scientists, business people, teachers, about having that green awareness,” said Knight. “There is a big growth now in the business of green technology, so these kids that are learning green chemistry will have a step ahead already of the group by already knowing and having an awareness of the environment and green, but still be able to produce and manufacture products — but doing it in a way that might not hurt the environment as much.”
One of the green experiments includes using carbon dioxide generated from dry ice to extract oil from an orange peel. This process is also similar to what is done to naturally decaffeinate coffee, according to Knight.
Potter said one of the reasons Schalmont was selected is because the school isn’t able to dispose of any chemicals down the drain since it runs off a septic system.
“They are a perfect candidate to teach chemistry by using chemicals that are not as toxic,” she said. “They have to be very careful what they put down the drain — they have to dilute it or transport it off site.”
The chemical inventory on Dec. 20 is used to establish a baseline for the chemicals used in the classroom to see how much is being used during the year.
“We are trying to say, with green chemistry you don’t need to purchase such toxic chemicals, which tend to be very expensive,” said Knight. “Right now schools need to save as much money as they can.”
Potter said the number of chemicals Schalmont had in its lab was “average” and there wasn’t any “significant” findings among the jugs and jars of toxic materials tucked in between two classrooms.
Potter also said she hopes green chemistry will inspire children to become interested in chemistry. So far, her experience has shown it works.
“We need more children to go into chemistry … there is a lot of demand in terms of industry for this,” she said. “If you take away a lot of the concerns about teaching chemistry, the safety part … I think kids feel more comfortable and excited.”
