In which scenario might a science teacher be liable for negligence?

• A. A student asks a question during a demonstration
• B. The teacher leaves to revive an emergency phone call and a student slips and falls
• C. A student performs an experiment without supervision
• D. The teacher provides a safety briefing before a lab activity

Answer: (B)

A science teacher might be liable for negligence in the scenario where the teacher leaves to take an emergency phone call and a student slips and falls. In this context, teachers are expected to provide a safe learning environment and to supervise students during activities, especially in a lab setting where safety hazards may exist. By leaving the classroom unattended, the teacher may be failing to meet this duty of care, which can result in injury to students. The lack of supervision could directly lead to accidents, thus making the teacher accountable for any harm that occurs as a result.

In contrast, a student asking a question during a demonstration generally does not pertain to negligence, nor does providing a safety briefing before a lab activity, both of which are responsible actions by a teacher. Similarly, while having a student perform an experiment without supervision raises concerns, the direct liability for negligence in the given context focuses on the teacher's absence during an active situation that led to injury.