There can be NO experimentation or student-guided exploration when it pertains to this set of "rules" in a science lab or during a science experience.
What are SAFETY RULES?
100
These two factors have a significant relationship to science classroom accidents
What are class size and lack of sufficient classroom space
100
These are used when there is even the slightest risk that someone could sustain an eye injury in the classroom
What are goggles or safety glasses
100
This is what teachers should do PRIOR to taking a science-based field trip
What is preview the location and inspect it for potential hazards
100
Teachers must ask themselves this when considering a science experience for their children
What is "Would my peers endorse the activities that I am considering for my children?"
200
Teachers must be aware of these for safety within their science settings
What are legal and professional obligations
200
These teacher characteristics can be linked to unsafe science teaching and learning experiences
What are inadequate content preparation, less teaching experience, inadequate safety knowledge, insufficient safety skills, and poor classroom management
200
In elementary classrooms, these should be covered at all times to prevent electrocution or burns
What electrical outlets
200
These should be clearly written/displayed and explained to students
What are safety rules for inquiry-based learning experiences
200
This is what the U.S. legal system expects classroom teachers to be in their judgement when performing their duties with students
What is reasonable and prudent
300
These are commonly used when activities may be deemed unsafe for students to complete independently
What are teacher demonstrations
300
This is the ONE change that will most affect safety in science classrooms
What is eliminating overcrowding
300
When possible, these should be used instead of open flames and should be used as teacher demonstrations in upper elementary classrooms. They should be avoided in lower elementary classrooms.
What are hot plates
300
These should be secured prior to leaving school grounds for any field trip, and especially for science-based field trips
What are permission slips, emergency medical information, first aid kits, medication, and parent chaperones
300
This must be proven prior to holding a teacher accountable for personal injury accidents
What is negligence
400
Approximately 80% of an elementary student's science learning time should be spent doing these
What are hands-on experiences
400
This is the class size limit recommended by National Science Teachers Association and the Council for State Science Supervisors for elementary classrooms
What is 24
400
These are not only important in classrooms on a day-to-day basis, but they are also important for science experiences that take you beyond the classroom
What first aid kits
400
Teachers should be able to do this from any point in their classroom, especially during inquiry-based experiences
What is supervise every student from any point in the room (no "blind spots")
400
This phrase refers to your duty to protect your students. For younger or disabled students, this must be increased.
What is "Due Care"
500
When teachers are planning inquiry-based learning experiences, this is their greatest tool in avoiding injury and accidents
What is anticipating any foreseeable hazards that may be encountered
500
National Science Education Standards recommend that safety become an essential factor in science classrooms. Teachers of science must know and apply the necessary safety regulations for this
What is the storage, use, and care of materials used by students
500
Primary teachers should do this when planning an experience that might require alcohol lamps, flammable liquid storage, fire blankets, fire extinguishers, and eyewashes or showers
What is RETHINK THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE ACTIVITY!!!!!!!!!!!
500
This should be increased as the danger level of the activity increases
What is SUPERVISION!
500
In the event of an accident, teachers should do this
What is complete and submit a DETAILED accident report that includes reports from witnesses, actions you took in response to the accident, and as many specific details as possible.