B.C. Teacher Suspended After Classroom Dry Ice Explosion Injures Students

A teacher in southeastern British Columbia has been suspended after a classroom experiment involving dry ice resulted in an explosion that damaged school property and alarmed students.

According to a consent agreement released by the B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, teacher David Popoff received a two-day suspension on top of an earlier 10-day suspension imposed by his school district.

Unsafe classroom experiment

The incident took place over two days in October 2024, when Popoff brought dry ice — the solid form of carbon dioxide — into the classroom without authorization.

Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause frostbite or injury if handled improperly.

Despite this, the agreement states that Popoff:

• Allowed students to handle dry ice with bare hands

• Failed to provide protective equipment such as gloves or goggles

• Did not ensure proper ventilation

• Even placed the substance in his own mouth

Safety guidelines require strict precautions when handling dry ice, including protective gear and supervision — none of which were adequately followed.

Explosion in classroom

The situation escalated on the second day when a student placed dry ice into a sealed water bottle.

As pressure built inside, the bottle exploded, sending debris upward into a ceiling tile and leaving a hole. Fragments scattered around the classroom.

Some students and an education assistant were splashed, and several children were left frightened by the incident.

The classroom included both kindergarten and Grade 6 students, raising additional concerns about age-appropriate supervision.

Regulator’s findings

In its decision, the regulator concluded that Popoff failed to exercise proper judgment and supervision.

He was found to have shown “inadequate regard for students’ developmental maturity” and did not appropriately manage a potentially hazardous activity.

The agreement also notes that Popoff said afterward he would not change how he conducted the lesson and attributed the explosion to the student involved.

Disciplinary action

In addition to the regulator’s two-day suspension, School District 5 had already issued a 10-day suspension following the incident.

The case highlights the importance of following safety protocols in educational settings — particularly when working with materials that can pose serious risks.

Broader takeaway

While classroom experiments can be valuable learning tools, the incident underscores the responsibility educators have to ensure student safety at all times.

Proper supervision, adherence to safety guidelines and age-appropriate instruction remain critical — especially when dealing with potentially dangerous substances.