J.P. Case Middle School

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. However, science activities may have potential hazards.  We will use some equipment that may be dangerous if not handled properly. Safety in the science classroom is an important part of the scientific process. To ensure that we maintain a safe classroom, your science teachers have developed a list of rules that must always be followed. Specific safety instructions for each investigation/lab will be given before conducting it in class.

Safety Rules:

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks will not be tolerated.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teacher questions if you need help understanding the instructions.

3. Only touch equipment, supplies, animals, or other materials in the science room with permission from the teacher.

4. Perform only authorized and approved experiments. 

5. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science room.

(If you are permitted to have a water bottle, please leave it at the door and ask to access it when you need a drink.)

6. Keep hands away from your face, eyes, and mouth while using science materials or when working with either chemicals or animals. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the science room.

7. Wear safety glasses or goggles when instructed. Never remove safety glasses or goggles during an experiment. There will be no exceptions to this rule!

8. Keep your work area and the science room neat and clean. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and writing instruments to the work area; keep the rest of your materials stored where your teacher directs you to store them.

9. Clean all work areas and equipment at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.

10. Follow your teacher’s instructions to dispose of any waste materials generated in an experiment.

11. Report any accident (fire, spill, breakage, etc.), injury (cut, burn, etc.), or hazardous condition (broken equipment, etc.) to the teacher immediately.

12. Consider all chemicals used in the science room to be dangerous. Do not touch or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.

13. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect.

    1. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room.

    2. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp instruments only as instructed.

    3. Never cut any material towards you—always cut away from your body.

    4. Report any cuts or scratches from sharp instruments to the teacher immediately.

14. Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher.

15. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, supplies, or animals from the science room without permission from the teacher.

16. Handle all glassware with care. Never pick up hot or broken glassware with your bare hands.

17. Use extreme caution when using an open flame or a hotplate. Only light burners when instructed; do not put anything into a flame unless specifically instructed. Do not leave anything with a flame unattended.

18. Dress appropriately—long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing. Wear aprons when instructed. Closed-toed shoes should be worn in the lab.

19. Notify the teacher of any known allergies or sensitivities at the beginning of the course or immediately upon diagnosis during the course. 

20. You should know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.

We will review/have reviewed the following in class to ensure that you are aware of the location and use of safety equipment. 

1. Eyewash

2. Drench Shower

3. Safety Goggles

4. Fire Extinguisher

5. AED Machine