Science Safety and Laboratory Practices

Grade 7 Science - Week 1

• Introduction to Grade 7 Science: This week's lessons introduce grade 7 science.

Getting to Know the Teachers

• Introductions of teachers will be held.
• Information about teachers' backgrounds, areas of expertise or teaching experience etc.

Interesting Facts

• Students are encouraged to share personal information, including place of origin, educational background and experiences, travel stories and favourite foods.

Classroom Rules & Contracts

• Students must be on time to class.
• Students must bring materials at the beginning of class - notebook, textbook and necessary materials.
• Discuss appropriate behaviour in the classroom - not distracting teachers or classmates.
• Students must do homework.
• Students should respect teachers and classmates.
• Students must raise their hands to ask or answer questions.
• Communicate concerns or difficulties to the teacher.
• Help classmates when possible and provide support.
• Focus and participate in class activities.
• Proper behaviour in the classroom.
• Maintain a respectful attitude during class conversations.
• Communicate and understand English at all times.
• Students must work hard all year round.

Books and Materials

• Students are required to check their monthly study plans to ensure preparedness for each class.
• Ensure they bring all necessary textbooks.
• Bring their notebooks to class to take notes.
• Students must review lessons on the learning management system (LMS).

Agenda

• Getting to know the teachers.
• Classroom rules & expectations.
• Branches of science (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
• Lab safety.
• Science in action.

Branches of Science

• Physics: The study of forces and motion.
• Chemistry: The study of matter, its reactions, and properties.
• Biology: The study of living things.

What is Science?

• Science is the process of observing, asking questions, and finding out about the world around you.
• The process used in science is called the scientific method.

What Will We Study in Science?

• Physics: Light, sound, electricity, and forces.
• Chemistry: Atoms & elements, acids & alkalis, chemical reactions.
• Biology: Plants, ecology, and reproduction.

Lab Safety

• A science lab is a room with equipment for scientific tests and producing chemicals/medicines..
• Safety is crucial in a science lab to avoid accidents.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Safety goggles, mask, earplugs/hearing protection, safety gloves, closed-toe shoes, hair net/helmet, and lab coat are essential safety gear.
• Activities like eating, drinking, running, playing and smelling or tasting chemicals are not permitted in the lab.
• Lab materials like broken glassware should not be used.
• Mixing chemicals without prior permission from the teacher is prohibited.

Lab Safety Symbols

• Highly Flammable: Substances that easily catch fire.
• Corrosive: Substances that attack and destroy living tissues.
• Toxic: Substances that cause death via swallowing, inhalation, or skin absorption.
• Harmful: Substances like toxic ones, but less dangerous.
• Irritant: Substances that cause redness or blistering on the skin.
• Oxidising: Substances that increase the rate of burning by supplying oxygen.

Science in Action

• Science can be used to solve environmental problems.
• An example of such environmental issues is plastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution

• Microplastics block UV sunlight needed by plankton for photosynthesis.
• Plankton serves as a major food source for marine creatures.
• Microplastics consumed by sea creatures impact the food chain.

Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution

• Reduce the use of plastic.
• Recycle plastic.
• Clean up beaches and oceans.
• Educate people about plastic pollution.

The Ocean Cleanup and Adidas Initiatives

• The Ocean Cleanup: An organization dedicated to cleaning up ocean garbage.
• Adidas: A company employing recycled materials in product manufacturing to reduce plastic pollution.

Worksheet Practice

• Worksheets covering various scientific topics will help reinforce learned concepts. This will be a quiz for assessing class performance.

Next Week:

• The scientific method will be discussed next class.
• Bring a copy of your Biology textbook.

Vocabulary

• Definitions of important science terms and concepts will be covered in class.

What Did We Do Today?

• Introduction to teachers.
• Classroom rules and expectations.
• Introduction to different branches of science.
• Lab safety guidelines.
• Introduction of Science in Action or a particular project.

Test your knowledge of science safety and laboratory practices. This quiz covers essential safety protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and understands the importance of lab safety measures. Engage with multiple scenarios and definitions to ensure a safe learning environment.