As a science teacher, you look forward to molding young minds and teaching the children the value of science. When you have access to a science laboratory, planning activities can be fun and exciting, but also dangerous. Any science teacher who offers lab work as part of the class should focus on creating a safe environment for students. But how do you ensure student safety? Below are a few tips to consider when introducing a new class to your science labs.
Training
The first step to ensuring that students are safe is to provide safety training in the laboratory. Explain the general laboratory procedures such as how students should handle chemicals, the burners, etc. Go into detail about the laboratory procedures so each child fully understands how they should conduct themselves. Provide a handout of safety procedures and keep a copy posted in the science classroom for reference.
Discuss Safety Protocols
Science teachers should also focus on discussing safety protocols before any laboratory work begins. Safety hazards, as well as requirements, should be considered based on the project at hand. Before you begin a lab, it is beneficial to discuss what chemicals, biological products, or pharmaceutical products will be used and how they should be handled.
Always make sure students know that they are required to wear protective equipment such as safety goggles as well as any other safety equipment you provide. Students should be required to take home a safety contract, go over it with their parents, and return it to school, signed by the parents and the student. Keep this contract on file so you can refer back to it with a student who does not follow the Lab Safety Rules.
Be sure to point out that the experiments you offer will be fun and exciting but also dangerous due to potential hazards. Reiterate that you have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to safety violations. Talk to your students repeatedly about science lab safety so they fully understand.
Lab Groups
Another issue that many new science teachers do not consider is the formation of lab groups. In many instances, it is best to let the kids partner up themselves so there is no fighting during lab work between partners who do not get along. Another consideration is the size of the workstation. Smaller stations will work with only two students while larger stations can accommodate groups of 4 or more. It is important to formulate groups, so the experiment can be conducted as well as everyone getting to take part.
Be Organized
Because you will be dealing with hundreds of students daily, it is essential that you are organized. Have storage solutions within the science classroom that will house the hazardous chemicals, laboratory equipment, or tools used for the day, with easy access for students. It is also beneficial to have mobile stations so that you can move items and tools around for demonstrations or other needs. Contact us today if you need assistance with materials for your classroom. Tables and storage options are just a few of the products we offer.