| When people think of science projects they think of | | | | are going to react. To find out about different types of |
| beakers filled with chemicals and people in white lab | | | | chemical reactions you can do research on the |
| coats adding different ingredients to each beaker. The | | | | internet or at your local library before attempting to mix |
| next thing that they picture is the entire lab going up in | | | | them. |
| a great explosion. While this might be a dramatization | | | | Tip five: |
| people often wonder is doing science projects are | | | | Do not take shortcuts. Shortcuts can lead to accidents |
| safe. The answer to this is that yes science projects | | | | and that is what we are trying to avoid. |
| are safe. | | | | Tip six: |
| Here are a few tips on how to stay safe when doing | | | | Always have fire extinguishers handy, you never |
| science projects. | | | | know when something is going to catch on fire. Also |
| Tip one: | | | | keep a first aid kit nearby, these are for you minor |
| Pick age and skill appropriate projects. While it is great | | | | accidents such as a scraped knee or sliver. For major |
| to challenge your children you do not want to tackle a | | | | accidents, you will want to call 911 or go to your |
| science project that is designed for a high school | | | | nearest emergency room. |
| student if your child is only seven years old. Also you | | | | Tip seven: |
| do not want to pick a science project that is designed | | | | If doing a science project with chemicals do not smell |
| for your child's age group if they do not have the | | | | or taste the chemicals. Also with chemicals you will |
| proper skills. You as a parent are the best judge of | | | | want to be near running water. If you spill something on |
| how complex the project can be. An important idea to | | | | yourself you will want to immediately wash your hands |
| keep in mind is to start off small and once they have | | | | before doing anything else. If some chemicals get in |
| mastered the easier projects move on to the next | | | | your eye you will want to flush your eye for at least |
| level. This will keep your child interested but will also | | | | twenty minutes and then go to the nearest |
| help to keep your child safe. | | | | emergency room. |
| Tip two: | | | | Tip eight: |
| Always use the proper safety equipment. If you are | | | | Communicate with your child. Make sure to explain to |
| going to be doing any sawing or mixing of chemicals | | | | your child that while doing science projects is fine they |
| you will want to wear protective eye gear. If you are | | | | can not do it on their own. When doing science |
| going to be working in the garden you will need some | | | | projects you always want an adult to present. You |
| gloves, etc. | | | | also want to explain to your child what you will be |
| Tip three: | | | | doing, talk about safety and what to do in an |
| Read the instructions carefully before you start. | | | | emergency. The more your child understands what is |
| Always follow the instructions; the instructions are put | | | | going to happen the safer they can be. |
| in place to help protect you and your child. Sometimes | | | | Remember that safety is the number one concern |
| you can change the instructions, such as in cooking, but | | | | while doing science projects. If you are unsure about |
| you need to use common sense when doing this. | | | | how safe something might be the best advice is not to |
| Tip four: | | | | do it. Never take unnecessary risks when doing a |
| Do not mix chemicals that you are unsure of how they | | | | science project with your child. |