Virginia Science

Welcome back to the classroom!  The VDOE science team vision for 2021-2022 is to have students engaged in science as they conduct inquiiry based experimenta and design challenges.   To do this safely, consider the following practices.

1.  Keeping students distanced in the lab:  Consider having 3 students in a working group.  Assign the role of material manager to one student; this person is the only one on that day who touches the equipment in the group.  The second student could be the data collector and the third person could be the lab manager who is responsible for guiding the lab implementation.  Swtich roles throughout the year so that all students are able to conduct the various roles.

2.  Sanitation of equipment is always a concern.  

a. For those items that can be submersed, consider dipping these into a dilute solution of CDC approved disinfectant.  This could be a dilute bleach solution, a lysol solution, or any other division approved disinfectant solution.  Plastic bins with openings in the side and bottom are an easy way to dip multiple objects at the same time.  Rinse and set aside to dry.

b.  Consider two classroom sets of goggles.  One set can be dipped into the dilute disinfectant, rinsed with water, and set aside to dry while the other set is in use by students.  Alternatively, these goggles can be wiped before and after use with disinfectant wipes.  Goggle cabinets also can be used; however, the bulb loses effectiveness over time.

3,   For items that cannot be submerged, have students wipe these down with disenfectant wipes before and after use.  Such equipment includes microscopes, probeware, scales, etc.

4.  Consider using disposable materials such as pipets and cups.  Although we do not want to encourage practices that harm the environment, we recognize that the use of these disposable alternatives may be appropriate for sanitation purposes.

5.  Use microscale versions of labs when possible.  You not only generate less waste, you also use less materials in the lab.

Remember, if you have questions or concerns with science instruction, please reach out to the VDOE science team!!