Development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Safe, Educational and Fun Performance of Chemistry Demonstrations

Chemical demonstrations have played a large part in creating interest in the CWU Chem Club (CWU SA-ACS) and drawing in new members. Although the nature of demos are fun, these various phenomena lead to a variety of serious hazards that must be well understood to perform in a safe manner. To ensure safety is our top priority, our club devised a three-part demonstration standard operating procedure (demo-SOP) that includes: (1) chemical preparation in the stockroom; (2) chemical presentation in front of the audience; and (3) differentiated learning that explains the demonstration at a K-8 or 9-12 level that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This three-part demo-SOP provides an excellent quick guide for safely preparing and delivering the demo, the equipment needed, how to properly dispose of the chemical waste, and an age-appropriate explanation of the chemistry involved so that the performed demonstrations are as safe and informative as they are fun!