How to Teach About Science Lab Safety

Safety is of the utmost importance when working in a science lab. Children are expected to handle hazardous substances, and there is the potential for serious accidents to occur. Try to teach science lab safety in a way that engages the kids but still gets the point across. It is a good idea to ensure there are some practical elements to your safety teaching, to make sure that what you are saying has been digested by the kids.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pens
• Lab equipment

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Instructions

• 1

  Pass out the lab coats and safety goggles to students. Tell them why it is so important to keep their eyes covered at all times. It is a good idea to appoint a "goggle monitor" who can check that everyone has his lab coat and goggles on before entering the laboratory.

• 2

  Give students a tour of the laboratory. Point out any potentially hazardous equipment, or places where they might trip. Show them where the "sharps bin" is, to dispose of any used needles or broken glass. Remind students not to eat or drink in the laboratory, and never to run when they are in the laboratory.

• 3

  Divide the class into four groups. Have them each design a poster relating to one of the warning symbols put on chemicals. This could be the explosive, flammable, toxic, or corrosive symbol. Have each group stand in front of the class with the poster and have the class name any chemicals that come into the danger category being represented.

• 4

  Perform a simple experiment at the front of the class. Make sure that the experiment uses potentially dangerous equipment, such as a Bunsen burner. Demonstrate something impressive that has a safety point. Burning magnesium, which should never be looked at directly, can be very effective at getting attention and demonstrates the exciting yet hazardous nature of the experiments being performed.