Lab Safety Essentials for the First Week of School
The first week of school is all about setting the tone, and when you’re a science teacher, that tone needs to include lab safety.
Whether you teach high school chemistry, physics, or a general science course, clear expectations and a few key routines can help prevent chaos or preventable accidents down the line.
Let’s get into some go-to tips for teaching lab safety, my favorite classroom-tested tools, and must-have no-prep resources (including some available right now in SciAcademy).
1. Teach Lab Safety Like a Procedure, Not a Lecture
Instead of standing at the front of the room reading rules, treat lab safety like any other classroom routine. Model expectations. Practice them. Use visual aids, real-world scenarios, and mini discussions to show students why each rule matters.
Try this:
Set up lab safety stations with labeled equipment and ask students to identify their function
Use video clips or headlines from real lab incidents to spark discussion
Wrap up each activity with a quick safety reflection slip or CER prompt
Download this video guide to help build an engaging lesson.
2. Stock Up on the Right Safety Gear
You don’t need a massive budget to equip your lab, but you do need the basics. These Amazon items are solid staples for any high school science classroom and are easy to order in bulk.
Recommended tools:
Safety Goggles (10 pack), and check out these cute ones that are just enough for you, the teacher.
Lab Aprons (reusable and easy to clean)
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3. Establish Safety Routines Early
From the moment students walk in, safety should be part of your classroom culture. Start with simple expectations, walking between stations, wearing goggles when equipment is out, knowing where to go in an emergency, and build from there.
One of the most effective strategies I’ve used is incorporating lab safety review into my daily bellringers and each lab. These five-minute routines reinforce key safety habits without needing a full lesson each time. And really help to prevent accidents.
Let’s just have a fun lab and learn something, shall we?
Get your hands on resources that actually save you time and move the needle for student understanding in engaging ways.
4. Ready-to-Go Lab Safety Assignment and Contract
Whether you're planning your first week or need a no-prep emergency sub plan, the Lab Safety Pack inside SciAcademy gives you everything you need to kick off the year with confidence.
This exclusive resource includes:
A student-friendly reading passage with comprehension questions perfect for class discussion
An official Lab Safety Contract for student accountability
Even a faith-based version for Christian homeschool families
Join SciAcademy for just $12/month, or save with the annual membership and get instant access to August’s full content drop, full of sub plans, lab safety, content-aligned bellringers, and so much more to get you off to an engaging and meaningful start.
5. TpT Resources for Lab Safety and Back-to-School
Need even more options? These classroom-tested, top sellers from my TpT store are just what you need:
Final Thoughts
Lab safety doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or boring. When it’s introduced as a meaningful part of your classroom culture, paired with intentional routines, visuals, and support, your students will build the confidence to learn, explore, and experiment safely.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it all yourself. Join SciAcademy and get August’s full content drop.
