Science Safety

The purpose of a safety plan is to make sure that there are set procedures in the classroom that adhere to science safety rules and regulations. In this way, safety plans demonstrate that practicing science teachers are compliant with the expectations to be able to safely guide and manage their classroom. Furthermore, safety plans can ensure that students are aware of certain procedures and expectations in the laboratory setting. Safety contracts, acknowledgment forms, and safety quizzes are effective ways to make sure that students understand the risks, hazards, and proper handling outlined in safety plans.

10 Key Topics to Address in a Safety Plan:

1) Maintaining safety equipment and following emergency procedures.

2) Handling, labeling, and securing equipment and materials

3) Ensuring student knowledge of safe procedures and potential hazards

4) Ensuring proper clean up and disposal of hazardous materials

5) Responding to student injuries

6) Managing student behaviors

7) Ensuring proper and ethical treatment and care of animals, as appropriate

8) Ensuring safety of students with allergies, handicaps, or medical conditions

9) Ensuring compliance with laws related to collection of natural materials

10) Ensuring continuous and proper supervision of students

The activity for this page is contained in the document titled "Science Laboratory Scenario." This activity includes a reading about a science safety and guided questions. The other attached links are useful resources to help teachers create safety plans. There are also examples of a some safety plans (even though they are targeted for the elementary setting) that are good examples to inform teachers on how to incorporate the 10 topics.