By: Rachel VeseyDrexel University

The Value of Lab Work

Promotes teamwork, peer collaboration

First-hand interactions with real-world phenomena

Multiple learning modes

Engage in inquiry and investigation

Student responsibility

Classroom Lab Safety Rules and Procedures

Behave RESPONSIBLY

Prepare and Follow

Instructions

Be Attentive, Careful, Clean, Communicative

All students must:

To achieve a safe lab learning environment

Classroom Safety Rules and Procedures

All materials stored by category in locked lab storage room

No student access

Lab stations set up by teacher

Students use droppers

AccidentsEmergency procedure immediately followed in class:

S.I.N. – Safety, Isolation, Notification

Reported to parents via phone and in writing

Classroom Safety –Hazardous Waste

Hazardous materialsVentilated, clean and orderly at all times

OSHA approved storage

Chemicals stored eye level or below

Managed, labeled inventory

Minimize waste produced by using micro-labs and demonstrations

Classroom Safety –Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste DisposalStudents explicitly instructed on proper disposal for materials

Labeled disposal containers Drain disposal

Resources: https://www.nsta.org/safety/#mid-sechttp://static.nsta.org/pdfs/MinimumSafetyPracticesAndRegulations.pdfhttps://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/policies/safety/chemical-safety-for-teachers-and-their-supervisors.pdf

Classroom Safety Rules

1. BE RESPONSIBLE AT ALL TIMES

2. Leave cell phone and belongings in assigned cubby or in locker

3. No food, drink or gum in lab area

4. Read, listen to and follow all instructions given

5. Wear safety goggles and aprons/gloves (if instructed)

6. Work only with your group members and use soft voices

7. Raise your hand if you have a question or need help

8. Wash your hands before and after lab activities

Classroom Safety Procedures

EXAMPLES:

In pairs, obtain goggles from goggle containers, make sure it fits properly

Move to lab table with only lab notebook, pencil and safety equipment

Do not touch materials / chemicals without teacher permission

Report ANY and ALL accidents, spills & breakages to teacher immediately

Eye Protection

Eyes are vulnerable organs

Students develop good safety precaution habits

Safety goggles required during labs28 pairs per science classroom

Cost $4 per pair, covered by school district

UV sanitizers to eliminate germ transfer

Contact lenses are allowed, inform teacher as precaution

Animals in the Classroom

LIVINGTreat animals with respect and compassionNo poking, prodding or provoking animalsMust be trained to handle animals (live or preserved)Poisonous and known disease-carrying animals forbidden

PRESERVEDProtective goggles and gloves requiredDo not touch mouths, eyes, or any exposed skinOnly clean, rust-free instruments used

Safety Contract Required

Please review, sign and return the following: https://www.nsta.org/docs/SafetyInTheScienceClassroomLabAndField.pdfRead and signed by parent and studentFunctions as a class safety contract Students required to keep in science notebookHelps ensure a “...safer and productive science experience” (NSTA, 2013, p. 1) If violated, formal sequential action will be taken

Staying Informed

Please find the lab schedule here: www.schooldistrict/msveseyscienceclassroom/lab-schedule.org

Scheduled labs posted online two weeks in advance

Reminders sent to family via email and home with students three days prior to lab

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

Contact: Ms. Rachel Vesey

Phone: 215-777-5555 ext. 101

Email: vese@schooldistrict.org

Website: www.schooldistrict/msveseyscienceclassroom.org

References

Chiappetta, E.L., and Koballa, T.R., Jr. (2015). Science instruction in middle and secondary schools: Developing fundamental knowledge and skills (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA. Pearson Education, Inc.

National Science Teacher’s Association (2016). Books and resources : Safety in the science classroom. Retrieved from https://www.nsta.org/safety/

National Science Teacher’s Association (2013). Safety in the science classroom, laboratory, or field sites [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://www.nsta.org/docs/SafetyInTheScienceClassroomLabAndField.pdf