School Science Laboratory

1. Describe various designs, organization, and management of science laboratories.
2. Outline safety, first aid, and waste disposal procedures in the laboratory.
3. Explain the roles of human and material resources in laboratory management.
4. Identify and mitigate hazards associated with science laboratories.
5. Write and present research reports on laboratory design and management.
6. Apply computer software in laboratory organization and design.

13 weeks, about 50 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

   • Unit 1: Historical Background and Rationale for the Laboratory · 2 hours

     Read about the historical context of science laboratories and their evolution.. Understand the rationale behind emphasizing science laboratories in schools.. Identify the link between the school curriculum and laboratory activities..

   • Unit 2: The Laboratory in School · 2 hours

     Define what constitutes a laboratory and its functions within a school setting.. Differentiate between indoor and outdoor laboratories, considering the advantages and disadvantages of each.. Examine factors to consider when siting a school laboratory, including safety and accessibility..

2. Week 2Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

   • Unit 3: Existing Traditional Designs and Organizations · 2 hours

     Describe the existing traditional designs and organization of science laboratories.. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of fixed and flexible laboratory designs.. Examine the laboratory space, surfaces, furniture, and service units in traditional laboratories..

   • Unit 4: The Modern Design of Laboratory · 2 hours

     Describe the modern designs of laboratories, including the Power Lab 8 system.. Compare the flexible design with the Power Lab 8 design regarding laboratory space.. Examine the various configurations and arrangements in a modern laboratory..

3. Week 3Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

   • Unit 5: Design and Organization of the Preparatory Room · 2 hours

     Explain the need for a preparatory room in a science laboratory.. List the essential components of a standard preparatory room.. State the need to control access to the preparatory room..

   • Unit 6: Design and Organisation of the Store · 2 hours

     Distinguish between the main store and the bulk store in a science laboratory.. State the necessary requirements of a store, including ventilation and temperature control.. Explain why the flexible design is more appropriate for a store..

4. Week 4Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

   • Unit 7: The Use of Computers in the Laboratory · 2 hours

     State three advantages of using computer software in the laboratory.. Outline two disadvantages of emphasizing the use of computers over hands-on activities.. State three advantages of using the computer in interpreting and recording students' practical results..

   • Unit 8: Research Report on Laboratory Organization and Design · 2 hours

     Choose an appropriate topic for a research report on laboratory organization and design.. Consult related references appropriate to your topic.. Scale down your topic to your area of specialization and locally collect data on your topic..

5. Week 5Module 2: Laboratory Safety

   • Unit 1: Safety in the Laboratory · 2 hours

     List four reasons why accidents occur in the laboratory.. State ways in which the institution or staff can be legally responsible for accidents in the laboratory.. List two preventive measures in ensuring safety in the laboratory..

   • Unit 2: Laboratory Rules and Regulations · 2 hours

     Discuss the need for rules and regulations in the laboratory.. State the need for wearing appropriate protective clothing in the laboratory.. Explain the hazards of ignoring the rules and regulations in the laboratory..

6. Week 6Module 2: Laboratory Safety

   • Unit 3: First AID in School Laboratory · 2 hours

     Define first aid and list its objectives.. List the contents of a first aid box.. Describe the general features of the first aid procedure..

   • Unit 4: Disposal of Waste Materials in the Laboratory · 2 hours

     State the methods of disposal of waste materials in the laboratory.. Discuss the hazards involved in wrong procedures of disposing waste materials.. List the various types of waste in a laboratory..

7. Week 7Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

   • Unit 1: Glass Ware Hazards in the Laboratory · 2 hours

     State the need to be careful in handling, using, and disposing of glassware.. Explain the hazards involved in handling large glass containers by the neck.. Explain why glass tubings are usually carried vertically, not horizontally..

   • Unit 2: Chemical Hazards · 2 hours

     List the different classes of hazardous substances.. Explain handling aspects of hazardous chemicals substances like labels and packing.. Match the colors with the nature of the chemicals..

8. Week 8Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

   • Unit 3: Electrical Hazards in the Laboratory · 2 hours

     Describe how the human body conducts electricity.. State the danger involved in having a wrong connection in appliances.. State the danger of color blindness..

   • Unit 4: Hazards In The Biology Laboratory · 2 hours

     State the principal hazards of biology laboratory work.. Describe the ways to minimize the hazards.. Explain the necessity of using fresh needles, disinfectant, and gloves while studying blood samples..

9. Week 9Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

   • Unit 5: Fire Hazards · 2 hours

     Explain the significance of the fire triangle.. List five common causes of fire.. Classify different types of fire..

   • Unit 6: Extinguishing a Fire in the Laboratory · 2 hours

     List types of fire extinguishers.. Describe the use of different types of fire extinguishers.. List five principles to be obeyed in fire fighting..

10. Week 10Module 3: Hazards in the Laboratory

    • Unit 6: Research Report on Laboratory Safety and Hazards · 2 hours

      Retrieve information from the library.. State the procedure of writing the research report.. Locate authors and subject matters through the author and subject index or the computer..

11. Week 11Module 4: Laboratory Management

    • Unit 1: The Head of Department · 2 hours

      Discuss the major roles of the head of the department.. State the responsibility of the head of department as regards timetable, notice board, filing of information, and establishing resource centers.. Outline what the head of department should do to keep his/her members cooperative..

    • Unit 2: The Science Teachers · 2 hours

      State the responsibility of the science teacher in the laboratory.. Discuss the role of the science teacher with the subject matter.. Explain other responsibilities of the science teacher as regards departmental meetings, science library, wall charts, examinations, safety, etc..

12. Week 12Module 4: Laboratory Management

    • Unit 3: The Laboratory Technicians and Assistants · 2 hours

      State the need for adequate maintenance of the various equipment and services in the laboratory.. Discuss the importance of having well-trained laboratory assistants and technicians in the laboratory.. State the role of the teacher in helping to recruit the laboratory assistant and technicians..

    • Unit 4: Storage and Material Management in the Laboratory · 2 hours

      State the importance of considering temperature in storage.. Discuss the importance of storage in laboratory material management.. State the need for orderly arrangement of materials..

13. Week 13Module 1: Laboratory Organization and Design

    • Final Revision · 4 hours

      Review all modules and units.. Revise all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs).. Prepare for final examinations..