Science Lab Safety & Scientific Method Vocabulary

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards covering laboratory safety, safety equipment, and the steps and terminology of the scientific method.

Safety in the Science Lab

The #1 priority in a hands-on laboratory class, requiring strict adherence to rules and procedures.

Horseplay

Irresponsible behavior such as practical jokes or pranks that is prohibited in the lab.

General Safety Guidelines

Basic rules—like keeping aisles clear and following instructions—that maintain a safe classroom environment.

Safety Goggles

Eye protection worn when working with chemicals, flames, or heating devices.

Eye Flush

Rinsing eyes with water for 15 minutes if a chemical enters them, followed by notifying the teacher.

Sharp Objects Safety

Rules that include cutting away from the body and carrying blades with points facing down.

Electrical Safety

Precautions such as never using electricity near water and unplugging equipment before leaving.

Living Organism Handling

Working with plants or animals only with teacher permission and treating them humanely.

Open Flame Safety

Tying back hair and never leaving a heat source unattended during experiments.

Chemical Safety

Never touching, tasting, or smelling chemicals unless instructed by the teacher.

Chemical Disposal

Properly discarding substances as directed; recognizing that not all chemicals belong in the trash.

Broken Glassware

Any shattered glass must be placed in the designated glass disposal box.

Fire Blanket

Safety equipment located at the back of the classroom for smothering small fires or wrapping a person.

Fire Extinguisher

Device kept in the planning center and hallway for putting out larger lab fires.

Fire Exit

Primary doorway used to evacuate the lab during an emergency.

Biohazard Container

Receptacle for any materials that have come into contact with blood.

Eyewash Station

Fixture used to rinse eyes when exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Glass Disposal Box

Box designated for all broken glassware to prevent injury.

Science

Both a system of knowledge and the method used to discover that knowledge.

Scientific Method

An organized set of investigative procedures starting with a problem and ending with communication.

Problem (Scientific Method)

The initial question or situation that drives an investigation.

Data Gathering

Collecting observations and information relevant to the problem.

Hypothesis

An educated guess framed as an "If … then …" statement that explains a possible outcome.

Experiment

An organized procedure carried out to test a hypothesis.

Analysis

Interpreting experimental data to determine what it means.

Conclusion

A statement summarizing the results of an experiment and stating whether the hypothesis was supported.

Communicate

Sharing methods, data, and conclusions with others after an investigation.

Evolution of a Scientific Idea

Progression from hypothesis to theory to scientific law as evidence accumulates.

Theory

An explanation of events based on extensive observations and investigations.

Scientific Law

A statement describing a natural phenomenon that appears to be true all the time.

Trial

A repetition of the same procedure within an experiment.

Variable

Any factor that can change the results of an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The responding factor that changes because the independent variable is altered; it is measured.

Independent Variable

The manipulated factor intentionally changed to observe its effect on another variable.

Controlled Variable

A factor kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure valid results.

Experimental Group

The set of subjects receiving the independent variable in a study.

Control Group

The set of subjects not exposed to the independent variable, used for comparison.

Productivity (Lab Scenario)

The dependent variable measured as stacks of papers stapled in the special-juice experiment.

If-Then Statement

Format used to express a hypothesis, predicting results based on a condition.

Hands-On Laboratory

Type of class where students actively conduct experiments rather than solely observe.

Lab Organization

Keeping the classroom clean, equipment washed, and aisles clear during activities.

Handwashing

Using soap and water after experiments or handling organisms to maintain hygiene.

Tongs

Tool used to handle hot metal or glass that may appear cool.

Gloves

Protective wear for hands when handling certain chemicals or organisms.

Heat Source

Flames or heating devices that must never be left unattended.

Dispose

To throw away or discard materials, following teacher directions for safety.

System of Knowledge

Another way to describe science as an organized body of facts and concepts.

Curiosity

The initial spark that begins scientific inquiry.

Discovery

The final result of scientific investigation, expanding the body of knowledge.