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Science and Safety

The best scientists use safety as a guide when planning projects and experiments. You learn more if you plan carefully before starting. Never do an experiment "just to see what happens." When planning:

  • Talk with a teacher, parent or other adult about what you plan to do.
  • Use books, magazines and websites about your topic as a guide for planning.
  • Write down your ideas about what you will do and what results you expect.
  • Keep a log during your project or experiment.
  • Keep your work area neat to avoid accidents. Do not eat or drink while working on a project, and wash hands after handling chemicals, animals, plants, seeds or other materials.

ELECTRICITY / PHYSICS:

  • If there will be exposed wires or switches in your project, use 9 volts of battery power or less.
  • Do not use power from an outlet in a science project.
  • Rockets, airplanes and other flying objects should be designed and used with care.

CHEMISTRY:

  • Wear goggles, gloves and apron if appropriate.
  • Use unbreakable, non-glass containers if possible.
  • Be aware of harmful chemical mixtures. Never use bleach or ammonia in a project. Do not mix or burn flammable chemicals or chemicals that can release dangerous fumes.

BIOLOGY:

  • Follow ethics and safety guidelines when working with live plants or animals.
  • Do not experiment with bacteria, viruses, antibiotics, fungus or mold unless you are following guidelines from a reputable science book.
  • Do not use needles, medications, or other medical products.
  • Wash hands after handling animals, plants or seeds. (Some seeds may be treated with fungicides or other chemicals.)

GET ADULT PERMISSION OR SUPERVISION BEFORE:

  • Using heat, flame, stove, oven, microwave, or other appliances.
  • Cutting with sharp knives, tools, etc.
  • Mixing chemicals.

THINK ABOUT SAFETY: What other safety guidelines are appropriate to your project or experiment? List one or more additional guidelines below:

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CHECK THE FOLLOWING LINKS FOR MORE SAFETY GUIDELINES OR USE A SEARCH ENGINE TO LOOK FOR SCIENCE FAIR SAFETY GUIDELINES.