Methanol Cannon HS tragedy in California 

"We just had a tragic science activity accident last Wednesday at one of  the local high schools.  A physics class was conducting velocity measurements on tennis balls launched from two methanol powered cannons on the P.E. field.  An explosion and fire occurred at one of the cannons badly burning two students.  Both students are hospitalized, one with second and third degree burns over 50% of his body.  The more severely burned student, who was holding the cannon at the time of explosion, also has damage to his lungs from the inhalation of super heated gas, and according to reports from the attending physician his survival will be "touch and go".  The teacher had split the class of 35 students into two groups and was working with the other group when the explosion occurred.

"The cannon was constructed by soldering two juice cans together with a metal disc between, perforated by button size holes.  Methanol in the lower can was ignited through a hole in the bottom can exploding through the holes into the upper can where the tennis ball was lodged.

"According to witnesses, students were disappointed at how little distance the balls flew, and were adding more and more methanol from a one gallon container, in an effort to hurl the ball further.

"According to officials at the high school, this was a standard experiment, which physic classes had been conducting for several years.  I have never heard of this activity and from what I have read in the newspaper it appears to have a number of safety problems.  Is anyone on the list familiar with an alcohol powered cannon activity?  Any comments?"

"Projectiles should never be allowed in a school setting unless it is a Military installation. Even the firing of Estes rockets is not allowed in most schools.  The use of juice cans as a barrel is outrageous.  The ATF of the federal government will probably issuing warrants in conjunction with lawsuits from the parents of the children involved.  Many fireworks ordinances were broken.  The only people who can lawfully ignite explosives are licensed.  The URL of the California regulations was posted a month or so ago, it was very explicit.  Students undergo enough fright in the science classroom, incidents such as this make it even more difficult for them to sign up for science.  My sympathies to the families involved