This document outlines safety rules for a biology classroom. It states that science involves potentially hazardous equipment and materials, so safety is important. It lists 19 specific safety rules students must follow, such as conducting themselves responsibly, following instructions, asking permission before touching anything, reporting any incidents, and handling materials like chemicals, specimens and animals carefully. By signing, both students and their parents acknowledge reading and agreeing to follow the rules to maintain a safe learning environment.

1. BIOLOGY Safety Contract
PURPOSE 12. Consider all chemicals used in the sci-
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. ence room to be dangerous. Do not
touch or smell any chemicals unless AGREEMENT
However, science activities may have poten-
tial hazards. We will use some equipment specifically instructed to do so. I, ___________________________ ,
and animals that may be dangerous if not 13. Handle all animals with care and respect. (student’s name) have read and
handled properly. Safety in the science class- understand each of the above safety
a. Open animal cages only with permis-
room is an important part of the scientific rules set forth in this contract. I
sion.
process. To ensure a safe classroom, a list of agree to follow them to ensure not
rules has been developed and is called the b. Never handle any animals when the only my own safety but also the safety
Science Safety Contract. These rules must be teacher is out of the room. of others in the science classroom or
followed at all times. Additional safety c. Do not take animals out of the sci- laboratory. I also agree to follow the
instructions will be given for each activity. ence room. general rules of appropriate behavior
No science student will be allowed to par- for a classroom at all times to avoid
d. Do not tease or handle animals accidents and to provide a safe learn-
ticipate in science activities until this con- roughly.
tract has been signed by both the student ing environment for everyone. I
e. Keep animals away from students’ understand that if I do not follow all
and a parent or guardian.
faces. the rules and safety precautions, I will
SAFETY RULES f. Wear gloves when handling animals. not be allowed to participate in sci-
ence activities.
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible man- g. Report any animal bite or scratch to
ner at all times in the science room. the teacher immediately.
Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks 14. Always carry a microscope with both Student Signature
will not be tolerated. hands. Hold the arm with one hand;
2. Follow all written and verbal instruc- place the other hand under the base. Date
tions carefully. Ask your teacher ques-
15. Treat all preserved specimens and dis-
tions if you do not understand the
secting supplies with care and respect. Dear Parent or Guardian:
instructions.
3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, a. Do not remove preserved specimens We feel that you should be
animals, or other materials in the sci- from the science room. informed of the school’s effort to cre-
ence room without permission from the b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp ate and maintain a safe science class-
teacher. instruments only as instructed. room/ laboratory environment.
4. Perform only authorized and approved c. Never cut any material towards you— Please read the list of safety rules. No
experiments. Do not conduct any always cut away from your body. student will be permitted to perform
experiments when the teacher is out of science activities unless this contract
d. Report any cut or scratch from is signed by both the student and
the room. sharp instruments to the teacher parent/guardian and is on file with
5. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste immediately. the teacher. Your signature on this
anything in the science room.
16. Never open storage cabinets or enter contract indicates that you have read
6. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and the prep/storage room without permis- this Science Safety Contract,
mouth while using science materials or sion from the teacher. reviewed it with your child, and are
when working with either chemicals or aware of the measures taken to
animals. Wash your hands with soap and 17. Do not remove chemicals, equipment,
ensure the safety of your son/daugh-
water before leaving the science room. supplies, or animals from the science
ter in the science classroom.
room without permission from the
7. Wear safety glasses or goggles when
teacher.
instructed. Never remove safety glasses
or goggles during an experiment. There 18. Handle all glassware with care. Never Parent/Guardian Signature
will be no exceptions to this rule! pick up hot or broken glassware with
8. Keep your work area and the science your bare hands. Date
room neat and clean. Bring only your 19. Use extreme caution when using
laboratory instructions, worksheets, and matches, a burner, or hot plate. Only Important questions:
writing instruments to the work area. light burners when instructed and do
Does your child wear contact lenses?
9. Clean all work areas and equipment at not put anything into a flame unless
specifically instructed to do so. Do not Y or N
the end of the experiment. Return all
equipment clean and in working order leave a lit burner unattended. Is your child color blind?
to the proper storage area. 20. Dress properly—long hair must be tied Y or N
10. Follow your teacher’s instructions to back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose Does your child have any allergies?
dispose of any waste materials generat- or baggy clothing. Wear aprons when
Y or N
ed in an experiment. instructed.
If so, Please list:
11. Report any accident (fire, spill, break- 21. Learn where the safety equipment is
age, etc.), injury (cut, burn, etc.), or located and how to use it. Know where
hazardous condition (broken equip- the exits are located and what to do in
ment, etc.) to the teacher immediately. case of an emergency or fire drill.
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