Imagine entering a new classroom and finding your lab materials in complete disarray. Broken bits of metal and shards of glass mirrors are interspersed among live, unlabeled radioactive sources. Splintered metersticks and oily beakers lie amidst beads of a long-forgotten mercury spill that decorate the cabinet floor and walls. Unfortunately, this scenario may not be uncommon to a new teacher—or a teacher at a new school or in a new discipline. This Idea Bank offers a number of suggestions to help you overcome "materials mayhem."