SCIENCE-SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOMESCHOOL LAB!

SCIENCE-SAFETY FIRST! It's important to prepare your students for

successful science activities by providing the tools and

information needed to create a SAFE environment in which to

work! Feel free to copy, paste, and print this page from your

personal computer so that you can display it in a convenient

spot of your learning area as a reminder to BE SAFE IN THE

SCIENCE LAB!

SCIENCE SAFETY TIPS

* STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR WORK

Do not allow outside distractions to interfere with your

experiment. Science-safety depends on your paying attention to

what you are doing at all times.






* CLEAN EQUIPMENT BEFORE AND AFTER USING IT

Tools work better when they are clean and danger of infection is

reduced by working in a sterile environment.






* CLEAN UP WORK AREA

Keeping a clean area in which to work is vital to a successful science lab experience. Make sure there are no items on the floor that could cause someone to trip. Put things where they belong and wash all surfaces with soap and water or vinegar.






* LABEL CONTAINERS

Making sure that each container is properly labeled ensures science-safety as it reduces the chance that a student will use the wrong combination of chemicals or substances together. Many things look alike in a science lab. Labels enable you to correctly identify contents before use.






* WORK WITH A PARTNER AND ADULT SUPERVISOR

Never allow students to work unattended in a science lab! If possible have more than one student work together. Make sure there is adult supervision AT ALL TIMES!






* MAKE SAFETY YOUR #1 PRIORITY

"Safety First" is a common saying. Make it your motto in the science lab!






* WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN NECESSARY

Never conduct experiments without proper protection for your eyes and ears. Though risk might seem minimal it is always better to take extra precautions. It takes a few extra moments to ensure eye and ear protection, but it's worth it!






* NEVER TASTE ANYTHING WITHOUT ADULT PERMISSION

Do not EVER put something in your mouth in order to identify it or taste it without express permission for your adult supervisor!

Remember that substances often look alike in a science lab...what you think is harmless, might in fact be potentially FATAL!






* DON'T GET TOO CLOSE TO ANIMALS YOU DON'T KNOW

Whether in the wild or when observing a domestic pet, do not get close to an animal you don't know well. You may THINK that an animal is gentle or harmless, but animals will act on instinct if there is a perceived threat. Science-safety calls for keeping a safe distance!






* NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN

The suns ultra-violet rays can cause permanent damage to the human eye! If conducting experiments or studies where observation of the sun is necessary, always do so with shaded eyes or through a protective lens.






* PUT THINGS AWAY WHEN YOU ARE DONE USING THEM

This seems like common sense but carelessness or laziness in the science lab can cause serious accidents. If you use it, PUT IT AWAY when you are done!




We hope this convenient list has been of use to you in your science

classroom this year! Have fun and STAY SAFE!









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