Classroom Expectations

  1. Students are to be prepared to engage when class begins.
  2. Students are expected to raise their hand when wishing to ask a question or respond to one.
  3. Students are expectd to follow directions the first time they are given.
  4. Safe and positive learning environments are established only when each student respects the personal and property rights of others. For this reason, fellow students, school staff, and substitute teachers are to be treated respectfully.
  5. All school rules apply in the clasroom.

Student Expectations

  1. Establish a routine. Plan to devote 20-30 minutes each night for reading.
  2. It is your responsibility to hand in all required work when absent.
  3. As much of the information in the class will be in the form of handouts, it would be in your best interest to keep a neat and orderly notebook. This will come in handy when preparing for exams.

Lab Safety Rules

  1. Know the locations and operating procedures for all safety equipment - including the first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.
  2. Know where the fire alarm and the emergency exits are located.
  3. No food, beverages, or chewing gum are allowed in the laboratory.
  4. All work areas must be cleared of personal items such as jackets, purses, backpacks, etc.
  5. Students may work in the lab area only if a teacher is present.
  6. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you might have observed.
  7. Report any accident or injury immediately - no matter how trivial it seems.
  8. Wash your hands before and after each experiment.
  9. Read the directions for each experiment at least twice. Follow the directions exactly as written. If you are unclear about any part of the experiment, ask for assistance before proceeding.
  10. Do not interact with any equipment, chemicals, or other material until instructed to do so.
  11. Do not distract or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
  12. Always wear safety goggles when working with chemicals, burners, or a substance that might get into your eyes.
  13. Observe good housekeeping practices by keeping your work area clean and tidy at all times.
  14. When your experiment is completed, clean up your area and return all equipment to its proper place.
  15. Make sure all open flames (candles and burners) are off prior to leaving.

Chemical Safety Rules

  1. All chemicals in the laboratory are to be considered dangerous. Avoid handling directly with your hands.
  2. Never taste a chemical and never pipet by mouth.
  3. Unauthorized experiments are not to be performed.
  4. Use different spatulas when removing chemicals from two different containers as this practice will avoid cross contamination.
  5. When removing a stopper from a bottle, hold it between your fingers. Do not lay it directly on a surface as to contaminate it.
  6. Never return unused chemicals to their original container - again probable contamination.
  7. Keep combustible materials (alcohols, acetone, etc.) away from any open flame.
  8. Be careful and try to avoid spilling chemicals. Ask about the proper clean up procedure.
  9. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Once again, ask how to properly dispose of these waste chemicals.
  10. When diluting acids, always pour the acid into water -- never water into the acid.
  11. Rinse any acids or bases off of skin or clothing with water and notify your teacher.
  12. Avoid handling broken glass with bare hands. Get in the habit of using a broom and dustpan.
  13. Place broken glass in its designated disposal container.

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