Context:

This Science Safety Survey was conducted in the Fall of 2007, under the advisement of Jeff Goodman for Science Instruction in the Elementary Classroom (GS 4401).

Impact:

Students have a right to be in a classroom that is designed for safe scientific exploration. As a teacher, knowing the right questions to ask, and places to look for both science safety regulations and tools, is the best way to foster this scientific discovery. Students should be informed of the health risks involved with the materials they are working with, as well as be provided with the tools to keep them safe (such as goggles).

Alignment:

 Standard 17: Elementary teachers understand safety and liability issues in elementary and advocate for appropriate safety materials and enforcement practices in the classroom.

Indicator 1: Teachers ensure that safety issues are included in instruction and provide supervision during lab activities and field experiences.

By conducting this survey, I have demonstrated a need to appropriate steps in the classroom to be taken to the safety of students. Science is a time when students will be experimenting with new materials and are most likely to get hurt during the instructional day. Teachers who take steps to prepare for accidents, as well as take preventative actions, are better prepared to effectively teach students, and keep them safe during science instruction.

Indicator 2: Teachers analyze the lab/activities for safety and research materials/chemicals to know safety issues before they are used.

This survey makes reference to chemical storage, as well as keeping all resources up to date. It is important for teachers to be aware of expiration dates of chemicals and all other resources.  Teachers should be aware of the possible issues related to any chemicals that are used in the classroom. They should be aware of the chemicals that are harmful under certain circumstances, and should take preventative measures when using these chemicals.  

Indicator 3: Teachers have a working knowledge and comply with the science Safety Laws, Codes, and Standards.

Over the course of this assignment, I have learned different laws, codes, and standards related to science safety. I now understand when information needs to be posted, and the processes through which teachers must go through to be legal and safe science instructors.

Indicator 4: Teachers model and communicate appropriate safety behaviors.

I have met this indicator by learning appropriate strategies to take preventative measures against accidents during science class. I have also learned appropriate questions to ask the school that I work for, as well as discovered resources that would be appropriate for the scientific classroom.

Indicator 5: Teachers develop a short and long-term plan for improvement of school safety.

By learning the necessary tools, regulations, and preventative measures, I have begun to realize steps that should be included for school safety improvement. All classrooms should have adequate access to science safety resources and a classroom that is designed for safe scientific exploration.