For Safety's Sake: Introduction to Laboratory Safety in Science

Gaddis, Linda                        Walter H. Dyett
                                     624-4517
                      

Objectives:

1. To supply students with a list of safety precautions and guidelines 
   as they apply to the science laboratory.
2. To associate the correct laboratory safety rule for the work being
   done by the students.
3. To identify the type of safety precautions being observed through
   the use of safety symbols.
4. To practice safety in and out of the science laboratory.

Apparatus Needed:

    pictures of safety hazards       safety guideline ditto 
    safety symbol charts             student safety contract
    extension chord                  safety goggles
    seat belt                        apron  
    fire extinguisher                step stool
    safety test                      plastic gloves
    first aid kit                    safety blanket 

Strategy:

1.  Pictures of safety hazards placed around the room with the 
    following questions attached to each:
         a) What is happening in this picture?
         b) How could this accident have been avoided?
2.  Students will move about the room and formulate answers to the 
    questions posed. Answers will be discussed after students have been
    seated.
3.  A display containing the following items:
         fire extinguisher, step stool, extension chord, seat belt.
4.  Several students will be asked to pick up an item and stand in front
    of the picture of the accident that this piece of equipment could
    have been used to prevent, and then give their reason for making
    this decision.    
5.  The students will be given a ditto explaining the guidelines for 
    laboratory safety which they will review with their teacher. 
6.  A student will be chosen to assist in the proper use of safety 
    clothing and safety equipment. 
7.  Safety symbol charts will be viewed at this time. Students will be 
    asked to form groups of three (or four depending on class size) 
    in order to match up the correct symbol(s) with the safety 
    guidelines that were discussed on the ditto sheet earlier. 
8.  Approximately fifteen minutes before the class is dismissed, the 
    teacher will administer a quiz on laboratory safety.


Assignment:

    Students will be required to:
        1. design their own first aid kit.
        2. prepare a list of ten safety hazards not mentioned in 
           class.
        3. have their parents' co-sign their student safety contract
           and return it to class.