Secondary Science Safety Instructional Ideas by Amy Prescott https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt Students often engage in the same activities, every year K-12, to learn about safety in the science classroom. What innovative ideas do you have for teaching students about safety in the science classroom? en-us 2020-08-05 15:01:07 UTC 2025-09-25 19:20:34 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f9ea.png Watch You tube disasters https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678619435 Have students discuss what went wrong and how they would have done the experiment correctly.]]> 2020-08-13 13:20:51 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678619435 MAke safety procedure visible everywhere in class before beginning a lab. https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678734503 2020-08-13 14:21:03 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678734503 julie_sloan1 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678783884 Use a card sort to go over safety rules, tools and signs. This could be a check of who knows it and how much you need to explicitly teach. 

Have them choose two rules and come up with a lab safety cartoon of how the rule can be broken. Then have them share or gallery walk of the rules.]]> 2020-08-13 14:46:01 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678783884 Safety videos/gifs https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678784612 Students film each other practicing safe practices in the lab and how to use safety equipment.]]> 2020-08-13 14:46:23 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/678784612 multiple choice surveys brian_meyers2 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/679079678 Create an assessment. Use Plickers or create a Kahoot. my age group LOVES Kahoots.]]> 2020-08-13 17:01:22 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/679079678 Middle school students love the AsapScience video on lab safety. https://youtu.be/BRDApYgvDqQ https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/679120163 2020-08-13 17:20:25 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/679120163 Video of safety equipment alisia_lucas https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/679230954 I usually have students do a scavenger hunt in the classroom to find safety equipment and label it on a map of the classroom.  This year I will video myself walking around the classroom showing them where everything is as well as when/why it is used.  I also include the emergency button on the wall to notify the office of an emergency.  I will also make a drag and drop activity of lab safety procedures and what to do next like they did in this academy.  ]]> 2020-08-13 18:11:26 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/679230954 Plickers or Quizlet jenni_houghton https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/681388689 create a plickers assessment ]]> 2020-08-15 14:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/681388689 Science Safety https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/686345307 Well, the video idea is already taken, so I'll venture into new territories. Have students create Graphics to post around the classroom displaying preventative and emergency safety equipment with their uses.]]> 2020-08-19 01:44:32 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/686345307 With Health Science Skills it works well to introduce students to sharps in increments, beginning with lancets for checking blood sugar on up to normal injections. This offers them a chance to gain confidence and learn proper disposal of sharps. naomi_hart_sobk https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/687559036 2020-08-19 16:29:19 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/687559036 Safety Scavenger Hunt https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/687686661 Have students do a lab safety scavenger hunt where each 'safety' item needs to be found and then they can take a photo of the item to create a virtual reference for lab safety. ]]> 2020-08-19 17:05:48 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/687686661 Science Safety Memes https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/693028532 Students create safety posters to be displayed in classroom or virtually online]]> 2020-08-22 20:21:21 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/693028532 What Not to Do Monster lucinda_pogue https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/698635352 Use the list of safety procedures and have small groups of students draw their safety monster doing what they are not supposed to do (reverse physiology).]]> 2020-08-25 20:58:49 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/698635352 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/796452882 Give a quick Google Forms quiz before every lab activity to refresh safety expectations]]> 2020-10-01 21:38:50 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/796452882 Adding icons to instructions or in our virtual classroom. To remind students of what issues could arise during the lab. https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/797655197 2020-10-02 13:56:51 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/797655197 I love the safety scavenger hunt and the YouTube disaster videos ideas! https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/822094353 2020-10-12 16:10:35 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/822094353 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/822519723 I have the students create a picture of the most dangerous lab possible. Then they explain what rules the students are breaking in the picture.]]> 2020-10-12 18:18:37 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/822519723 ESl students bernadette_delagarza https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/822657376 Don't forget ESL students, reinforcing safety symbols, are cartoons and drawings are helpful. ]]> 2020-10-12 19:08:05 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/822657376 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1669296069 Give students an image with unsafe practices and have them identify as many unsafe practices as possible, perhaps through a writing assignment. Be sure to go over all possible unsafe practices within the image before moving on.]]> 2021-08-04 21:23:56 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1669296069 What's wrong in this pic? https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1678625184 I like using pictures of a lab scenario where rules are being broken. The kids do a search to find them and then have a discussion about what went wrong and how to correct it. This leads to using the talk/read/talk/write method too!]]> 2021-08-13 20:54:17 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1678625184 Create Non-Examples https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1678754572 Have students create a visual of some kind showing a non example of safety, along with an explanation of what should be done instead! Then they can share with the class. ]]> 2021-08-14 01:31:59 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1678754572 Have students act out a play with 2 versions one that demonstrates safe and another that demonstrates not safe. Provide students with their play and have them make props out of paper. https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1690184972 2021-08-23 02:46:07 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1690184972 I do a gas jet check at the beginning of every lab. We all are back at lab, all are silent, then I turn on the gas main and we all listen for a hiss. https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1696729752


]]> 2021-08-25 19:39:47 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1696729752 Put up cards that show how to correct a mistake https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1703118299 2021-08-30 00:40:41 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1703118299 Fear works. Give them all the worst stories about labs going wrong. https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1771850253 2021-09-27 16:56:24 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1771850253 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1772370606 Have students "create" safety rules as a class and go over them while adding in the things they missed. Gives students ownership of expected behavior. ]]> 2021-09-27 20:19:49 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1772370606 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1787912028 I do a what is wrong in this picture activity and then have them create a lab safety PSA]]> 2021-10-03 20:32:43 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1787912028 Scenarios jennifer_kaszuba https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1802468870 Use newspaper articles about lab accidents and have students discuss what happened.]]> 2021-10-08 13:06:49 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1802468870 Read stories about lab mishaps andrea_gabler1 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1802470630 2021-10-08 13:07:36 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1802470630 Safety Pyramid https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1820424830 On the bottom of a pyramid you write a safety rule, then on the sides write "hints". Glue together and exchange. Students have to guess the rule the other chose]]> 2021-10-15 21:15:28 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/1820424830 Prioritizw https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2255246217 Make safety a priority when doing pre-lab work and ensure everyone understands. Have students restate safety rules as needed.]]> 2022-08-05 03:32:32 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2255246217 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2257127442 After reviewing the lab safety rules, have students create one they believe we missed. Never underestimate them, safety and ownership in lab!]]> 2022-08-09 03:12:44 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2257127442 Role model safe procedures before every lab https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2258282621 2022-08-10 15:13:48 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2258282621 Map the classroom https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2258667768 Have room scavenger hunt. Everyone needs to know where equipment, phone and turn off valves are located in the room before an incident occurs]]> 2022-08-11 02:26:06 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2258667768 Create or Act Out suzanne_srulowitz1 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2259198074 Assign a safety procedure to groups of students and have them create a Slide Show, Video or can act it out live. Have them first showing it done incorrectly and then done correctly and explain why.]]> 2022-08-11 16:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2259198074 Amoeba sisters video! https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2259562825 2022-08-12 03:36:45 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2259562825 Attention Grabbing Music Video https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2259936336 We use a lab safety music video in 7th grade from YouTube: 

LAB RULES - Dua Lipa "New Rules" Parody

We then have a group discussion for a review of lab safety. 
We play this video at the beginning of each lab we do throughout the year...the kids start to sing along :)
]]> 2022-08-12 16:00:13 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2259936336 It is useful to have a scavenger hunt at the beginning of the year so they know where all of the equipment and tools are, including the shower, fire blanket, eye wash and all the safety equipment. carmen_ehrman https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2299325004 2022-09-16 03:03:44 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2299325004 Science Safety Pamphlet https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2322697385 Students create a science pamphlet with do's and don'ts of lab safety]]> 2022-10-02 15:51:13 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2322697385 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2655656139 I'm a new science teacher...so usually as the student, if I saw the teacher modeling proper behavior I knew what to do]]> 2023-08-03 19:04:57 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2655656139 CSI sema_adkar https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2656945370 I used to set up a crime scene with caution tape, create an outline of an unfortunate incident, have things tipped over (desks/chairs) and the students investigate which rules this individual did not follow.]]> 2023-08-07 03:09:36 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2656945370 Lab safety https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2657523297 This video sticks with me. It goes over everything that should NOT be done in a lab to promote safety. I think it's a great way to help students remember how to act safely. 
Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-fNpaOX0-g]]> 2023-08-07 22:29:43 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2657523297 7th Grade https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2658229604 We do this too!  The kids love it and since we do it before every lab; they start to sing along too!

]]> 2023-08-08 19:43:53 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2658229604 Lab safety charades https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2659037948 Have students act out different rules. Maybe they could act them out in opposite pairs...what "to do" and what "not to do".  "Do this" and "Don't do this."]]> 2023-08-10 00:05:58 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2659037948 Lab Safety Scenarios https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2661005140 Students are presented with scenarios and must determine the unsafe practice or behavior]]> 2023-08-13 22:50:45 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2661005140 Horror stories and silly lists lauren_griffith4 https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2719639057 I talk about the time a girl in my high school got nerve damage in her hand in a lab and how even vinegar can burn the top layer of your eyes off if it splashes you. We watch a video and then we make a list of all of the things you should not do in a lab.]]> 2023-09-25 16:19:41 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2719639057 SDS sheets https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2719685851 Have students actually engage with SDS sheets to solve "what to do" scenarios ]]> 2023-09-25 16:48:42 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/2719685851 Lab safety https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3056845943 Give students scenarios of a lab and a poor outcome and have them identify different actions / choices to make in order to have a safe outcome

]]> 2024-07-18 20:29:14 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3056845943 Relate a lapse in judgement https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3102888906 I always tell my students about the time I was in college using a bunsen burner. I knew the safety precautions very well, but in a momentary lapse in judgement, I reached over the open flame and my sweater sleeve caught on fire! I use this story of reminding that just knowing safety is not enough. I remind them that they have to remain conscious of everything they are doing in a lab to avoid accidents.

]]> 2024-09-04 21:28:31 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3102888906 Safety https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3119962592 Always review and demonstrate the safety precautions that are specific to a lab just prior to the lab. This way the information is fresh.

]]> 2024-09-14 21:18:29 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3119962592 Posters https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3122396242 2024-09-16 20:20:12 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3122396242 Kahoot game or act it out scenario activity. https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3122543827 2024-09-16 23:37:39 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3122543827 Lab Safety Scavenger Hunt https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3145526685 Have students draw a map of the classroom identifying where safety equipment is and what it is used for. Have euqipment, scenarios, and sds's with questions to engage in what safety is, how to identify equipment and proper safety scenarios, as well as how to use safety in the classroom.

]]> 2024-09-30 06:13:24 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3145526685 Review Before Each Lab https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3157441621 Doing a quick safety review at the begining of class for a lab allows the students to point our possible hazards and they can explain why they are using the specific PPE that day.

]]> 2024-10-07 16:45:48 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3157441621 Lab Safety Mystery: The Case of the Contaminated Lab https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3243398714 2024-12-02 20:19:14 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3243398714 acting https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3267088674 Have student do a re-inactment of do and don't situations in the lab.

]]> 2024-12-19 02:35:55 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3267088674 Students quiz each other https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3294399577 My students like to quiz each other over what they are learning. They each write 3 questions and take turns trying to stump their classmates.

]]> 2025-01-17 04:13:45 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3294399577 Show a funny but informative lab safety video and then encourage retention of learning by having students play Blooket or Gimkit https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3346878791 2025-02-28 16:53:23 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3346878791 Dramatic Roleplay https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3356605525 Have the students act out various scenarios of lab safety, in particular on what would happen when safety procedures are not followed.

]]> 2025-03-08 04:51:13 UTC https://padlet.com/amy_prescott/9b7ifh40dtvcs1rt/wish/3356605525