Science Laboratory Handout
Purpose of the Laboratory
The science laboratory is designed as a way for the student to experience first hand concepts and
applications related to their science investigations. These exercises are designed to open up a whole new world
of science to the student. In many ways, scientific concepts are abstract and difficult to comprehend. These
laboratory exercises provide a means of physical contact and group work with hands on materials. They are
designed to guide the student through a process of discovery. The laboratory also provides a way for the student
to organize his/her learning of science. These exercises are meant to compliment the textbook and lecture
material in such a way that the student gains a better, more comprehensive understanding of the science
concepts.
To gain the most from the laboratory experience students should be prepared ahead of time for
laboratory. The following expectations will make the laboratory experience more enjoyable and help the student
gain the most from the experience.
Laboratory Expectations
1. Stopping work
 A hand will be held up by the instructor and “Safety” will be the key word.
 Everyone is to stop what they are doing.
 Return to their seats immediately without talking and all eyes on the instructor.
 Give full attention to the instructor.
2. Laboratory Preparation
 It is the expectation that you will complete all of the assigned reading before each laboratory.
 You must look up any unfamiliar terms and be prepared to ask questions.
 It is your responsibility to make sure that you know what we will be doing in the laboratory.
 You should try to answer as many of the assigned questions as possible before each laboratory.
 It is expected that you will understand all of the safety procedures for each laboratory.
3. The Laboratory Assignment
 You are expected to work as a team in your assigned group.
 You are responsible for knowing the tasks to be completed for each laboratory assignment.
 Leave all unnecessary materials in the classroom (no traffic between the lab and the classroom).
 Upon entering the laboratory you are expected to put on appropriate protective equipment.
 Your group is to sit down at a bench and wait for instructions after putting on safety equipment.
 It is the expectation that you will always keep safety as a top priority.
 You should avoid touching your face with your hands or rubbing your eyes while in the lab.
 Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory.
 Do not put pens, pencils, or other objects in your mouth while in the laboratory.
 Every member of the group should perform each of the procedures in the laboratory.
 You are required to take good notes and make drawings of what you see in the laboratory.
4. The Laboratory Completion
 Make sure all questions have been answered on laboratory worksheet.
 It is expected that you will return your bench top to the way you found it at the beginning.
 You must then disinfect the laboratory bench top before leaving the laboratory.
 You should assist the instructor in returning all safety equipment to its proper location.
 You are required to assist other laboratory groups that have not yet finished their work.
Laboratory Safety Expectations
A positive student attitude toward safety is imperative. Students should not fear doing experiments,
using reagents, or equipment, but should respect them for possible potential hazards. Students should read the
laboratory materials in advance noting all cautions (written and oral). In additional, the following expectations
will always apply:
1. Rough play or mischief is not permitted in the laboratory!
2. Never conduct experiments in the laboratory alone or perform unauthorized experiments.
3. Report fires and/or injuries to your instructor immediately.
4. Whenever you are in doubt about a laboratory procedure, ask your instructor for help.
5. Never bring food or drink into the laboratory. Do not eat, drink, or store food in the laboratory!
6. Wear appropriate safety equipment as required (apron, safety glasses, and/or gloves)
7. Always wear gloves whenever working with chemicals or living organisms.
8. Know the location of all safety equipment.
9. Do not allow unneeded materials accumulate on your lab bench.
10. Label all experimental materials.
11. Tie long hair back to prevent it from becoming a fire or contamination hazard.
12. Use caution whenever handling chemicals and dispose of them properly.
13. Never pour anything down the drain without permission.
14. Use heat-safety items such as safety tongs, mittens, aprons, and rubber gloves for hot glassware.
15. Turn off water faucets, gas burners, and hot plates when they are not in use.
16. Used laboratory materials must be placed into the proper containers designated by the instructor.
17. Never remove any equipment or supplies from the laboratory.
18. Used glass slides, broken glass, and sharp objects should only be disposed of in a sharps container.
19. Students should properly note odors or fumes with a wafting motion of the hand.
20. Students should be familiar with standard chemical labeling (0 is low and 4 is highest danger)
Red represents Fire Danger
Blue represents Health Hazards
Yellow indicates Reactivity (often when mixed with water)
White signifies specific hazards (oxidizers, acids, bases, or corrosive materials)
I have read and understood to the laboratory procedures and safety expectations for Highline
Academy. I understand that it is the student’s responsibility to follow these guidelines at all times.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Student Signature:
Print Name:
Date: