Safe or unsafe in the lab?
Before practical work, think about what could happen with each habit in the science lab, then sort them into safe and unsafe. Learn the hazard symbols on the bench.
Core concept
Practical work is safe when we follow the lab rules, protect our eyes and skin, and understand the hazard symbols on chemicals
Topic: Scientific learning
A science lab has flames, hot glass, sharp tools and chemicals, so careless habits can cause burns, cuts or poisoning. Good scientists keep themselves and others safe: they read the instructions first, wear goggles, tie back long hair, never taste or directly sniff chemicals, and tell the teacher at once about any accident or breakage. Chemical bottles carry hazard symbols, red diamonds with a picture that warns of the danger: flammable, corrosive, toxic and others. In this lab you think about what could happen with each habit before you sort it.
What you will learn
- Tell safe habits in the science lab from unsafe ones.
- Explain what could happen when a lab rule is broken.
- Recognise common hazard symbols and what they mean.
Before you start
- Know that some chemicals and equipment can be dangerous.
Materials
- Cards showing habits in the lab
Equipment
- Goggles, gloves and a lab coat to try on; empty chemical bottles with hazard labels
Procedure
- Pick a habit card and ask “What could happen?”.
- Do this for at least six habits.
- Sort every habit into safe or unsafe.
- On the bench, look at each hazard symbol and what it means.