New Perspectives in Science Education

Practical work has a priority role for the teaching-learning process of sciences. There are many potential hazards when working with chemicals, but all of them can be avoided with the appropriate knowledge, attitude and practices while working in the labs. The main purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of science teachers regarding chemical safety at secondary level. Teachers having sound knowledge about the chemicals, positive attitude and good practices in chemical handling can minimize the risk of chemicals hazardous, protect them from chemical calamities and control chemical hazards to protect human health and school environment.

The target population of the study was all science teachers of Public Sector Schools of Islamabad city. Through purposive random sampling, 137 science teachers (male and female) were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire and some observations of teachers were done during the practical work in the labs to ensure authenticity and reliability of data collected through questionnaires. The descriptive statistics using frequency, percentage distribution of responses were calculated.

The study concluded that amongst the three levels knowledge, attitude and practice the respondents were better in knowledge but the attitude and practice did not show remarkable scores, which means that more efforts are required to improve the attitude and practices regarding chemical safety.

Key words: Chemical Safety, Knowledge, attitude, practices, Science Teachers, secondary school level