One group in this project was dutifully tinkering along on an engine. The requirements state that the engine must be able to start. One student decides to grab a can of starter fluid, and use it for its intended purpose. However, the table becomes covered in the flammable stuff, in addition to gasoline, which is inherently very flammable itself. We are required to tell the teacher of such spills, for obvious reasons. They did not, and one bright student inexplicably proceeded to pull out a lighter. AND LIGHT IT.

Instantly, the whole table goes up in flames, sending my teacher scrambling for a fire extinguisher. What amazes my teacher most of all, is that the student, standing next to a flaming table with a can of starting fluid and a lighter in his hand, had a "It's not my fault" expression on his face. It should go without saying that starter fluid was banned, afterwards.

Another gem was a student who brought a lathe-turned, hollow wooden tube. He then proceeded to the back of the room to prepare his engine for start-up. My teacher described it as sounding excellent, but afterward, he noticed a strange burning smell, which was traced to that student's engine. It turned out that the hollow tube was a custom, wooden MUFFLER the student made, which he proceeded to pop onto the engine. The exhaust gases heated the muffler enough for it to begin smoldering heavily. Luckily, the thing was shut down before it burst alight.

These students seem to have a very poor chance of surviving this generation. One fun fact about that class: My teacher started with thirteen students. He ended with eight after five had criminal charges pressed against them.

Submitted on 03/20/2007

Submitted by: Daniel Strowe
Reference:

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

Bruce said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Who in their right mind makes a muffler out of wood? That just boggles the mind! And holding a can of flammable liquid right next to a flaming table isn't all that bright either. It makes me wonder what other stories your teacher might have that he didn't tell. Thanks for the entertaining stories, Daniel!

James said:
Definitely Keep: Personal Account
Hah! That was funny, Daniel! I wonder if those five students weren't arsonists! well, even if they were, they'd probably go down with whatever they lit up! A very amusing tale! Thanks!

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