Conceptions of the role of experiments in chemical education, which were dominant from the 1960's to 1990's, did not take into consideration environmental issues. Generally, this fact can also be observed at present in the lack of management of chemical wastes produced in experimental classes and in the lack of policies, which guarantee the security of students and teachers, and of school communities, according to research carried out in 26 public schools of Distrito Federal in Brazil. Conscientious practice of experimentation in initial and continuous formation of teachers requires that, besides the problematization and discussions of scientific concepts, environmental issues be included, so that experimenting could turn into an environmental education action.
Laboratory teaching; Laboratory safety; Environmental education
