Conduct Safe Experiments
Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).
What you will learn
- 1Identify safe and unsafe laboratory practices
- 2Explain why each safety rule exists in a science lab
- 3Apply safety procedures before and during experiments
Mini Lesson
Science experiments help us discover how the world works, but laboratories can be dangerous if we are not careful. Following safety rules protects you and the people around you from harm. Every scientist — from beginners to experts — follows safety procedures every time they work in a lab.
Before You Start
- Read all instructions carefully before touching any equipment or chemicals.
- Put on your safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes and flying particles.
- Wear a lab coat or apron to protect your clothes and skin.
- Make sure your workspace is clean and tidy — remove anything that is not needed.
- Never begin an experiment without a grown-up's permission.
During the Experiment
- Walk at all times — never run in a science lab.
- Never taste or sniff chemicals, and touch them only when a grown-up says it is safe.
- Use flames and heat only with a grown-up, and keep flammable materials away from them.
- Never leave a lit flame or heated equipment unattended.
- If you spill something, tell a grown-up immediately.
After the Experiment
- Dispose of chemicals and waste materials as directed by a grown-up.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after every experiment to stop contamination.
- Clean and return all equipment to its correct storage place.
- Report any broken equipment or accidents to a grown-up.
Words to know
safety goggles
Protective glasses worn to shield the eyes from splashes and particles.
lab coat
A protective garment worn in the laboratory to shield skin and clothing.
chemical
A substance used in or produced by chemistry; some can be harmful.
hazard
A source of danger or risk in the laboratory.
procedure
A series of steps followed to carry out an experiment safely and correctly.
contamination
The process of making something impure or unsafe by contact with a harmful substance.
flammable
Easily set on fire; flammable materials must be kept away from flames.
Tip: remember the three Ws of lab safety — Wear protective equipment, Watch what you are doing, Wash your hands after.
Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.
Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.
- ✓ All 1,880 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
- ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
- ✓ Printable lessons with answer key