What have you blown up – in the name of science?
Scientists take to Twitter to support 16-year-old Keira Wilmot, who was reportedly expelled from her Florida school after her “science experiment” ended in a small explosion.
Reports from the US say the teenager faces criminal charges after mixing an explosive concoction on school grounds without supervision.
No one was hurt and no property damaged, according to the Miami New Times. Keira claimed to be carrying out a scientific experiment.
Since the incident, a petition has been set up calling for Polk County School District to drop the charges against the teenager and re-enrol her at school.
It also highlights concerns that as a young, black woman Keira is under represented in the scientific community.
I blew up an amplifier in physics class, just because I wanted to prove my speakers were louder. #KieraWilmot
— Nick Bell (@ni3t) May 2, 2013
Professor Camille Dungy is one of more than 3,000 signatures: “I teach undergraduate and graduate students and I can assure you, the ones who are afraid to exercise their curiosity are the ones who are most likely to fail.
“You’ve failed Kiera Wilmot and Bartow’s other students already. Shame on you.”
#KeiraWilmot has been riding high on Twitter, with scientists and members of the public sharing their experiences of experiments gone wrong.
My HS chemistry teacher blew a hole in the ceiling (requiring evactuation of the school) in a science demo gone wrong #KieraWilmot
— Robyn Kozierok (@robynkoz) May 2, 2013
I blew up a lot more than a soda bottle in my high school chemlab! Justice for #KieraWilmot
— Jonathan Wolfe (@FractalMan) May 2, 2013
British schools ‘lack science equipment’
As support grown in the US for Keira Wilmot, experts in the UK warn pupils are missing out on the chance to carry out science experiments because of funding shortages.
A report by Science Community Representing Education (Score) says that in some cases, schools are missing basic equipment like eye goggles or scales.
Score Chair, Professor Julia Buckingham, said that taking part in practical work is an “essential” part of learning science.
“Practical work is being limited by missing equipment and a lack of access to appropriate facilities such as laboratories and outside space,” she said.