7^th Grade Science Student Safety Contract

Purpose: Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities, which require the use of lab equipment. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. This copy of the contract is to be kept in your science notebook all year as a constant reminder of the safety rules.

General Rules:

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask the instructor before proceeding.

3. When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory are until you are instructed to.

4. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

5. Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.

6. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all time. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheet, and/or reports to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored in the classroom area.

7. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.

8. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the instructor. All solid waste are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink.

9. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments.

10. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

11. Handle all living organisms in a humane manner.

12. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry the tips and point pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

Clothing:

13. Any time chemicals, heat or glassware are used, students will wear laboratory goggles. There will be no exceptions to this rule!

14. Contact lenses should not be worn in the laboratory unless you have permission from your instructor.

15. Dress properly during laboratory activities. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back and dangling jewelry and loose or baggy clothing must be secured.

16. Lab aprons have been provided for your use and should be worn during laboratory activities.

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