Please click on the attachment below to view the Science Safety Check-sheet.

Rationale

DPI Standards

Standard 17, Indicators 1-5

Context:

                For my GS 4401 class, we came up with a list of questions about lab safety.  These questions were in a survey format and we were going to answer them while we did our internship.  My internship was in a third grade classroom, so they did not really use science labs, but I was still able to answer all the questions.  My teacher helped me out with a few of them. 

Impact:

                By completing this project, I was able to see what needs to be included in classroom safety when teaching science in the classroom.  The list of questions allowed me to look around and discover these things myself.  When I have a classroom, I will be able to conduct a personal survey on science safety by using these questions, or one like them.  I could also use this survey in my own classroom.  When teaching the students about lab safety, I could have the students conduct their own survey to see what the lab includes and if the lab is “safe.”

Alignment:

                This survey allowed me to meet multiple indicators.  Standard 17, Indicator 1 states that teachers should ensure that safety issues are included in instruction and provide supervision during lab activities and field experiences.  I met this one by knowing what the safety issues are and being able to apply them in a classroom setting.  Standard 17, Indicator 2 states that teachers should analyze the lab/activities for safety and research materials/chemicals to know safety issues before they are used.  While conducting this survey, I was able to look around the classroom to find the appropriate materials used.  I was able to check and see if they were safe to use.  I checked the fire extinguisher to make sure it was up to date and that it was appropriate for fires that might be started in a school setting.  Standard 17, Indicator 3 states that teachers should have a working knowledge and comply with the science Safety Laws, Codes, and Standards.  I met this standard by knowing what to look for in a science classroom and setting.  To find out what this includes, I needed to know what to look for and I found this out by knowing the laws, codes, and standards.  Standard 17, Indicator 4 states that teachers should model and communicate appropriate safety behaviors.  By conducting this survey, I was able to meet this because I know what should be included in a classroom and what to do and what not to do when teaching science safety.  Standard 17, Indicator 5 states that teachers should develop a short and long-term plan for improvement of school safety.  This survey can be used as a way to improve school safety.  This survey can be done to check up and make sure that all the science equipment and materials are up to date and safe for students to use.