Activities

1. What is the proper way to carry a microscope?
   
   
2. You will be working with a hot plate and boiling water today in science class.  List three (3) safety procedures you should follow to keep yourself and your lab group members safe.
   
   
3. What are two (2) safety procedures you should follow if you are using potentially harmful chemicals in the science lab?
   
   
4. What is the proper method to smell substances in the science lab?

5. Explain why it is important to follow your teacher’s instructions when disposing of materials after an experiment.

6. Your class is testing the pH of common items that you might find in your home.  These items include water, milk, nail polish remover, mouthwash, and laundry soap.  Kim is joking around and tasting some of the samples.  Do you think her actions are safe?  Why or why not?

Answer Key/Rubric

1. One hand should be under the base of the microscope to support the weight.  The other hand should hold the arm of the microscope to keep it stable while you are carrying it.
   
   
2. Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
   • Secure long hair.
   • Remove dangling jewelry.
   • No horseplay
   • Use protective gloves when handling hot beakers.
   • Wear closed toe shoes.
   • Do not drink the water.
   • Do not put a hot beaker under cold water.
     
     
3. Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
   • Do not smell it without permission.
   • Do not ingest the chemicals.
   • Waft the substance to smell it.
   • Know the location of the emergency shower and eye wash station.
   • Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when you are finished.
   • Thoroughly wash all instruments with soap and when you are finished.
   • Dispose of chemicals according to the teacher’s instructions.
     
     
4. Wafting – pass your hand over the opening of the container in your direction.  The fumes will float toward you and you will be able to smell the substance without causing harm to yourself.
   
   
5. Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
   • Chemicals could react with something in the drain.
   • Chemicals could damage the drain, sink, or the school’s plumbing system.
   • Chemicals could be harmful to the community’s water supply.
   • Chemicals could react with and damage the system at the water treatment plant.

6. Kim’s behavior is not safe.
   Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:

• Kim should practice safe habits.  You should never taste substances in the science lab.
• Kim doesn’t know what was in the containers before the common substances.  A harmful mixture could have been created with residue from the last time the container was used.
• Kim could spill the chemicals while she is joking around.  If mixed, some of the chemicals could cause a dangerous reaction.