Australia's Science Forum

I'm in the process of making a set of laboratory rules that I would like to print as posters for all the labs and also give a copy to the junior students. I was wondering if anyone else has done this? If so what are the rules in your labs?

These are the rules we give out to all students at the beginning of the year.

Science is a subject that is different to many others because it goes on in a specialised laboratory and you will often encounter equipment and chemical that are dangerous if not treated properly. For this reason, the list of rules below has been devised to help you learn in a safe and orcerly environment. We expect all students to be familiar with the rules and to follow them at all times during science lessons. Read them carefully and then sign the sheet below to indicate that you understand the rules and will follow them carefully.

1. Laboratories are out of bounds to all pupils unless given permission to enter by a teacher.
2. No school bags to be taken inot the lab.by students. Instead they should be placed neatly against the wall outside.
3. Use equipment, chemicals,gas, water, and electricity carefully, correctly and only when told to do so by your teacher.
4. Report accidents, breakages, faulty equipment and any marks on the benches to your teacher immediatley.
5. Work quietly in a way that respects the rights of others to learn in a safe, orderly and caring enviroment.
6.respect the property of other students and the college.
7. Remain in your seat until the teacher tells you to begin practical work.
8. If, during a p[racticla your teacher wishes to talk to the class, stop work immediatley and listen carefully to the instrucytions.
9. Leave benches clean, dry and the sinks empty after experiments.
10. Place and solid wastes in the containers provided.
11. Replace equipment in the correct position.
12. Look after your workbook.


I'm sure there are more things you probably could include but I hope this gives you some ides.

Lorrae

Thanks Rae

Hi Triton X
The DET Job skills for school assistants working in science book has a basic set of rules on p16 in manual section
Julie

thanks Juliem

At the beginning of the year the year 8's design an A4 poster of one rule which they choose from our list of rules. I pick out the best ones and laminate them and keep them in the labs

We too have our yr8's design safety posters after they have learnt the basic safety rules. Having the posters up not only helps them remember what to do but also gives them ownership of their classrooms.