Stay Safe and Explore: Science Safety Rules and Tool Use

When you do science activities, you follow special rules called safety procedures. These rules keep you and your friends safe while you explore and learn.

Safety comes first in every science activity you do!

Protect Your Eyes

You should wear goggles when doing science experiments. Goggles are special glasses that keep your eyes safe from splashes or things that might fly up.

Keep Your Hands Clean

You should always wash your hands with soap before and after science activities. Clean hands stop germs from spreading and keep you and your materials safe.

Wear an Apron

An apron covers your clothes during science activities. It keeps your clothes clean when you mix or pour materials.

Wear Gloves

You should wear gloves when touching soil, plants, or other materials. Gloves protect your hands from anything that might be in the materials.

Tie Back Long Hair

If you have long hair, you should tie it back. This keeps your hair from getting caught in materials or dipping into substances during science time.

Science tools help you explore and discover. You need to use them carefully so no one gets hurt.

Carrying Scissors

When you carry scissors, always hold them with the pointed end down. This keeps you and your classmates safe if you trip or bump into someone.

Using a Magnifying Glass

When you use a magnifying glass, hold it carefully with both hands. Never point it at bright lights because it can hurt your eyes.

Carrying a Ruler

Hold your ruler at your side when you walk with it. This keeps it from bumping into anyone around you.

Handling a Thermometer

Hold a glass thermometer carefully with both hands. Glass can break easily if you drop it, so always be gentle.

Using Magnets

Keep magnets away from computers and other electronic devices. Magnets can damage electronics, so always use them carefully away from those items.

Sometimes spills or accidents happen during science time. Here is what you should do:

• If you spill water or another liquid, tell your teacher right away. A wet floor is slippery and dangerous.
• If you see broken glass or something sharp, do not touch it. Tell your teacher immediately so an adult can clean it up safely.
• If you are not sure about touching a plant during a nature walk, ask your teacher first. Some plants might not be safe to touch.

Always walk slowly in the science area. Running can cause you to bump into others or knock over materials.

When you finish a science activity, you need to clean up your space. Put all tools back in their labeled bins or places.

Cleaning up keeps the classroom safe and makes sure tools are ready for the next activity. It is just like putting your toys away at home after playing!

Safety Procedures: Safety procedures are the special rules you follow to keep yourself and others safe during science activities. For example, washing your hands before touching science materials is a safety procedure.

Goggles: Goggles are special protective glasses you wear over your eyes during science experiments. They keep your eyes safe from splashes or materials that might fly up.

Apron: An apron is a covering you wear over your clothes during science activities. It protects your clothes from spills and messes when you mix or pour materials.

Gloves: Gloves are coverings you wear on your hands during science activities. They protect your hands from soil, plants, or other materials you might touch.

Magnifying Glass: A magnifying glass is a science tool with a curved lens that makes objects look bigger. You should hold it with both hands and never point it at bright lights.

Thermometer: A thermometer is a science tool used to measure temperature. Glass thermometers can break easily, so you should always hold them carefully with both hands.

Magnets: Magnets are science tools that can pull certain metal objects toward them. You should keep magnets away from computers and electronic devices because they can cause damage.

Safety Gear: Safety gear is the special equipment you wear to protect yourself during science activities. Goggles, gloves, and aprons are all examples of safety gear.

Spill: A spill happens when a liquid falls or tips over by accident. When a spill happens, you should tell your teacher right away so no one slips and falls.

Science Tools: Science tools are special items you use to explore and learn during science activities. Examples include magnifying glasses, rulers, scissors, thermometers, and magnets.

You can practice science safety every day! Here are some things to try:

• Before you start any science activity, ask yourself: "Do I have my safety gear?"
• Practice carrying scissors with the pointed end down when you walk.
• Remember to wash your hands before and after every science activity.
• When you finish using a tool, put it back in its proper place.
• Always listen carefully to your teacher's instructions before starting any science activity.

Listening to your teacher's directions helps you know the right steps to follow and avoid accidents during science time.

You do not need to know anything special before learning about science safety. These are the first and most important rules you will learn in science class.

Once you know these safety rules, you will be ready to explore, investigate, and discover amazing things in science!

Learning about safety procedures is a big part of your STEM Skills journey. When you know how to stay safe, you are ready to explore all kinds of exciting science topics.

As you continue learning science, you will use these safety rules every single time you do an experiment or exploration. Safety is the foundation of everything you do in science class!