B.C. teacher disciplined after classroom dry ice explosion

This undated image shows dry ice, which is frozen carbon dioxide. (Credit: Shutterstock)

A B.C. elementary school teacher who brought dry ice into the classroom has been disciplined for creating an unsafe environment, according to the provincial regulator.

David William Popoff entered into a consent resolution agreement with the British Columbia Commissioner for Teacher Regulation, in which he admitted to professional misconduct and accepted a penalty.

The misconduct dates back to 2024, when Popoff was teaching Grade 6 in the Southeast Kootenay District, and spanned two days.

On the first day, the teacher brought the dry ice into the classroom without getting permission from the school and proceeded to “demonstrate” its use, according to the agreement.

“During the demonstration, Popoff did not utilize any protective equipment. Popoff handled the dry ice with his bare hands and put dry ice in his mouth,” the document said.

The next day, Popoff’s students were joined by a class of kindergartners and dry ice was again introduced—without any of the necessary protective equipment such as gloves or safety goggles, according to the agreement.

Groups of students were given dry ice in “cups or containers,” and the agreement said Popoff did not make sure the children were adequately supervised.

“One student put dry ice in a water bottle and closed the lid. The water bottle exploded and shot upwards into a ceiling tile. The bottle left a hole in the ceiling tile and left shards around the room,” according to the document.

“Some students and an education assistant became wet from the explosion, and one student had to change their clothes. Some students were scared and at least one student began crying.”

The school district investigated the incident, and the consent resolution agreement said Popoff “downplayed the seriousness” and blamed the student when interviewed.

The district ultimately suspended him for 10 days and the matter was reported to the regulator.

The commissioner, for its part, imposed a two-day licence suspension.

“Popoff created an unsafe environment by failing to follow appropriate safety guidelines for the handling of dry ice, failing to sufficiently instruct students on those safety guidelines, and demonstrating unsafe behaviours,” the agreement said.

“Popoff demonstrated inadequate regard for students’ developmental maturity, and emotional and physical safety, and did not ensure that students were appropriately supervised during a potentially dangerous activity.”

The licence suspension will be served in June of this year.