Students learn science through hands-on high school laboratory practices. Many experiments involve hazardous chemicals. All participants must sign a student safety contract before beginning lab work in a science class.
Middle school students are more capable of handling their own experiment equipment and conducting some experiments with less hands-on direction from instructors. This is why it is important for them to be in a separate classroom with dedicated lab space.
1. Be Prepared
Laboratory work can be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time high school students. The excitement of checking off a new list of school supplies, and navigating a classroom and lab, coupled with the newness of classes and new experiences, can create a feeling of being overwhelmed before class even begins. However, a few things can help calm the nerves and prepare for the lab before it has even started!
Students should be prepared by reading through all lab instructions in advance of the lab and reviewing all material safety data sheets (MSDSs). It is a good idea to start the experiment by writing out a blank data table to fill in during the lab. This will make it easier for the student to keep track of information. In addition, the instructor should provide a clear overview of the entire experiment before the lab is begun to allow for questions and to demonstrate that the lab will be relevant to course concepts.
Finally, it is important to be sure that all materials and equipment required for the experiment are available in the laboratory before beginning. This includes any necessary glassware, chemicals, and other items. In addition, it is important to be aware of all sanitizing and disposal procedures, particularly those concerning chemical waste. Students should always make sure that the proper containers are used to dispose of chemical waste. They should never mix chemicals in sink drains and should be sure that all insoluble materials, such as metals, filters, and matches, are disposed of properly.
In addition, it is a good idea for instructors to encourage group work in the laboratory so that each student has an opportunity to participate in all aspects of the experiment. It is also recommended that instructors monitor the progress of groups to ensure that the students are on the right track and not rely too heavily on certain group members for specific tasks (e.g., the one with neat handwriting as a recorder or the fast runner as set-up specialist).
2. Be Careful
Laboratory work at this level is typically more advanced than at the middle school or elementary levels. As a result, students must be more careful about their actions in the lab. They must understand the basic concepts of a scientific experiment and be able to perform them well under supervision. They should also be careful about their surroundings and avoid distractions like phones or food.
It is important for students to carefully follow instructions that are given in both written and verbal form. They should never do anything that is not called for in the lab procedures or by their instructor. If they notice a problem with equipment, they should immediately report it to their instructor.
They should always wear protective clothing, including a lab coat and gloves. They should not wear shorts or skirts, sleeveless shirts, or tank tops. They should tie back long hair and not wear jewelry or other items that could be caught in equipment. They should also remove their shoes before entering the lab and wash their hands before and after each activity.
The laboratory should be kept clean and free of clutter to prevent accidents. Students should only bring their laboratory materials to their work area and no other personal belongings like books or bags. It is important to use a chemical fume hood or biosafety cabinet if instructed to do so. Students should be sure that all equipment is turned off and that chemicals are properly disposed of before leaving the laboratory.
Students should be especially careful when using balances. They should always use weighing paper and be aware that even slight variations in the pan can cause inaccurate results. They should also be very careful when removing solids from reagent bottles. They should not shake the solids directly from the bottle and should always use a clean spatula or spoon inside the bottle instead of their fingers. If they are unable to shake the solids freely from the bottle, they should discard them in a waste container instead of returning them to the bottle.
3. Dispose of Chemical Waste Properly
Many science laboratories produce chemical hazardous waste, and this is an important issue to consider. Chemicals that pose a hazard include corrosives, toxic chemicals, and organic solvents (paints, cleaning products, lubricants, photographic supplies, and some art materials are examples). These chemicals are also ignitable and can catch fire easily.
Ideally, students should collect chemical waste in specially designated containers. These should be marked with the hazardous waste label and the name of the chemical. These containers should be stored in a safe location and away from electrical equipment and heat sources. They should be kept securely closed except when adding waste. Chemicals must not be mixed – this can result in reactions that are difficult or impossible to control. If a reaction occurs, the container must be emptied and disposed of as hazardous waste.
All waste must be disposed of properly, which is very important when working with chemical wastes. The University has only 90 days to collect and dispose of chemical waste. This can be accomplished by following the procedures for chemical waste management as described in the Laboratory Safety Manual.
It is also critical to keep records of all chemical waste generated. This information should be reviewed by EHS staff as it can help identify potential problems and develop appropriate training programs. In addition, the information can assist with the identification of opportunities to reduce chemical waste generation. For example, the use of less hazardous materials such as solids or solution waste that can be flushed down the drain may help reduce chemical waste generation. In addition, it is very important to immediately report any spills or injuries to your instructor. This will allow the instructor to correct the problem and prevent additional injuries or damage to property.
4. Follow Instructions
A good high school lab experience allows students to gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Students should be given the time and space to work independently. In addition, they should be encouraged to experiment and learn through trial and error. The goal is for students to discover if a career in science is right for them.
At the high school level, science labs should be equipped with specialized equipment and furnishings that allow students to perform experiments safely and effectively. All work areas should be clean and tidy at all times. Only materials required for the experiment should be brought into the laboratory. Books, purses, backpacks, and other unnecessary items should be stored in the classroom area. Horseplay and practical jokes should never be allowed in the laboratory.
In addition, it is important for teachers to maintain a consistent pace of interaction with all groups during the laboratory period. They should also provide several moments of whole class instruction at critical points in the laboratory period. Additionally, they should regularly observe each group’s progress to diagnose instructional problems and ensure all groups are on track.
Lastly, it is important for teachers to help students develop the ability to recognize questions that can be investigated through experimentation and to plan, carry out, evaluate, and report on such investigations. This is particularly important because it can be difficult for students to link theory and practice when they are not actively engaged in investigating. To facilitate this process, it is recommended that teachers use a variety of writing tools to support students in developing their ability to articulate the content and structure of scientific arguments as they engage in inquiry.
5. Be Safe
Labs are a minefield of hazards, including hot plates, Bunsen burners, chemicals, and sharp blades. A little distraction can cause irreversible damage and, even in extreme cases, death. Students should be fully focused when performing experiments and refrain from talking or playing with classmates. They should also avoid eating food, drinking beverages, chewing gum, or applying cosmetics in a lab. Long hair and loose clothing should be tied back to prevent entanglement in equipment.
All students should know the location and operating procedures for all laboratory safety equipment. They should understand the proper use of the chemical fume hood, emergency shower, first aid kit, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher. They should also be familiar with the building evacuation plan.
It’s important to segregate all laboratory waste, and that includes unused chemicals, gloves, metals, and paper. They should be placed in the appropriate containers and labeled correctly. It’s also important to check the labels of all chemicals, including reagents used in a lab experiment, and always read the instructions. Doing so can prevent an accident, such as pouring water into acid that liberates a dangerous gas.
Students should only perform experiments that are called for in the lab procedures and are authorized by their instructor. They should never work alone and carefully follow written and verbal instructions. They should always inform their instructor of unsatisfactory results or foreseeable problems. They should also inform their instructor if they are pregnant or may be allergic to chemicals. They should also let their instructors know if they are taking any medication. And they should notify their instructors if they are aware of anyone in the laboratory who might be at a higher risk for injury or illness.
