Safety for 3 rd Grade Science Classrooms By Deborah Jaquinta 8/21/13

Proper Equipment for job or task Work quietly, and be courteous to others and respectful of their space. Distractions can lead to accidents. 3 Always wear your safety gear. This may include goggles, lab aprons, gloves, and more. 3 If a spill should happen, notify the teacher immediately and do not touch the liquid.

Safety with Tools Label all chemicals with a permanent marker. Write the type of chemical contained and the date. Use a piece of secure tape and write the name of the chemical on the tape, then place the tape on the containers. This allows the storage containers to be re-used. Permanent marker ensures the labels won't wear off. If labels do wear off, replace them as soon as you notice. If a chemical is flammable, include the word "flammable" on the label. Labeling 1 Don't run holding pencils or scissors. Ask the teacher to plug things in for you. Don't eat, drink, or chew gum during class. You could accidentally ingest chemicals and other harmful substances. 3

No roughhousing, pushing, running, or other horseplay during class or lab. It's too easy for accidents to happen. 3 Chemical Spills Playground Rules In addition to the classroom fire extinguisher, have a first aid kit in the room. Show everyone where the first aid kit is located and explain what the items in the kit are used for. Post a sign, or various signs, near the storage areas of the classroom that explain the safety rules, as well as emergency phone numbers, such as poison control. Discuss chemical storage with your students, and teach them how to properly store chemicals in the classroom. 4

Fire Safety Flammable Chemicals Store flammable chemicals away from flammable objects and materials, and store them at room temperature--not in a refrigerator. Chemicals can be organized by type, such as flammable and non-flammable. Some classrooms have separate cabinets, or shelves, to keep the two types of chemicals apart. Metal shelves are safest for flammable chemicals. Have a fire extinguisher in the classroom in case of a fire. Educate the students, and anyone else who may use the chemicals, how to properly use a fire extinguisher. It's a good idea to post a sign in the room explaining how. 1

Shelving and Cupboards Store chemicals away from work areas to avoid spills, and on a high shelf or cupboard in case small children access the room. Lock cabinets and doors and place a label, or small sign, on the outside of the doors to notify others of the contents. If chemicals must be stored in lower cabinets, secure them with a lock, or at the least a child safety cabinet lock--a small plastic locking device that doesn't require a key. 1 Preparation, Storage and Clean-Up

Volcano Project Safety The volcano project uses a chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar is an acid, and baking soda is a base. When you mix the two you get an acid base reaction. What happens is that the end result of this mixing creates something called Carbonic Acid. This Carbonic Acid quickly decomposes into carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide (CO2) is what causes the bubbling in the water. 2

Emergency Preparedness In addition to the classroom fire extinguisher, have a first aid kit in the room. Show everyone where the first aid kit is located and explain what the items in the kit are used for. Post a sign, or various signs, near the storage areas of the classroom that explain the safety rules, as well as emergency phone numbers, such as poison control. Discuss chemical storage with your students, and teach them how to properly store chemicals in the classroom. In the event of a hurricane warning, there will be no school. The county closes all schools when a warning is issued. Know where all the classroom exits are located, as well as safety equipment like eyewash stands. 1

Obey Posted Rules and Safety Patrol Read all the instructions carefully. In lab, read instructions twice before you begin working. Never touch anything in the lab until your teacher gives you instructions to do so. Always obey any instructions from the safety patrol.