HEALTH AND SAFETY


 Drugs are a valid part of medical treatment of disease, but
 they are dangerous in the hands of laymen, since many medi-
 cines can become habit forming. The science teacher's most
 important role in this connection is to develop a well fortified
 determination to use no drugs at all on the recommendation of
 advertisements, friends, or any one but a doctor. Alcohol and
 narcotic drugs are habit forming, and no one knows to what
 extent he or she may be susceptible. This fact, as well as the pos-
 sible consequences which come when alcohol has loosed the con-
 trol of emotions through its narcotic action, should be known
 to every pupil.
 The lessons about alcoholic beverages and narcotics should be
based on science and not on propaganda. They should be based
on experimental evidence. The vividness of the dangers of
"drunk driving," or the effects of lack of training in athletic
games, have far more virtue in the minds of young people than
any amount of moralizing. Most of all we should stress at this
time the.theme of cooperation for sober and temperate living.
In a society where every action is so closely bound up with the
lives of others, we cannot afford to lose our own vigor. Loyalty
and helpfulness to the group and the ultimate health of the
group may depend upon each individual's action. For informa-
tion helpful in class instruction, write the Consultant in Nar-
cotics Education, State Department of Education, Tallahassee,
Florida.
 The problems of safety are of extreme importance. It is be-
lieved that proper education can go a long way toward lower-
ing the number of accidents and deaths from accidental causes.
Science can contribute much to this education, for many of the
causes of accidents are related to science. Examples are preven-
tion and control of fires, the automobile and safety on the high-
ways, electric shock, drownings, and safety in the home and at
school. The science student should know the meaning and pur-
pose of first aid and be able to apply some of its principles.
 Science plays an outstanding part in the plans which a com-
munity has for its future development, such as zoning, park
development, public utilities, and safe highways. These matters
should receive earnest study in science classes.