Lesson Plan Originally Created By:
Jay Vavra
Student Safety Video by Students
Part of Unit: Laboratory Techniques and Safety
Lesson Plan Overview / Details
In this activity biotechnology students will make their own safety video. The biotech lab setting is a center of discovery and learning. Due to the ongoing activities in the lab it can also be a place of danger if proper common-sense precautions aren't taken. This will reinforce important safety material and allow students to educate others about the importance of safety in a fun, creative and educational format.
After viewing the film in class have students conduct a Ron Berger style gallery critique, offering warm and cool feedback regarding the film. Have students write down their feedback on the board or write it down for them as they verbalize their feedback. Additionally throw out some prompts for them:
What could be improved upon?
What was most effective about the safety video?
What should be left out of a safety video?
What is the most important message?
Lesson Time
- View High Tech High Lab Safety Video
- 22 Minutes
- Gallery critique of HTH video
- 20 Minutes
- Define research subgroups for video production
- 10 Minutes
- Research by safety subgroups
- 60 Minutes
- Storyboard and script writing for video
- 40 Minutes
- Filming video
- 120 Minutes
- Video editing
- 120 Minutes
Standards
California Career and Technical Education Standards
California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)
2Objectives and Goals
- Describe the use and importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Students will describe the importance of personal safety equipment (Lab coat, gloves, eyewear).
- Students will understand fire safety and different classes of fire risk.
- Students will describe the proper handling, storage and disposal of sharps and glass.
- Students will describe the proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals.
- Students will describe the recommended and safe use of biotechnology lab equipment.
- Students will describe proper lab behavior for the biotechnology lab (communication, food/drink, makeup application).
Activities in this Lesson
- Lab Safety Video by High Tech High - Hooks / Set
Sample student safety video made by ROP biotechnology students at High Tech High. The film shows the do's and don'ts of lab safety procedures with an entertaining and informative style. Within the film the subgroups of lab safety are outlined. From the video it is clear the students had a good time making the film. It also points out the specific equipment in the lab. This is quite meaningful since the majority of science lab safety videos spend too much time on equipment or issues high school students will never encounter. By creating a customized video, the teacher and students can highlight the necessary elements for the high school biotechnology classroom setting.
- High Tech High Lab Safety Video 2004 [ Go to Site ] Student researched, written, filmed, produced, and edited biotechnology lab safety video. Run time 22 minutes.
- Biotechnology Lab Safety Video Outline - Group Work
Once student groups have been assigned or chosen at random they will begin their research on their safety subgroup. During their research it may be recommended that students interview lab safety professionals from local industry or academic institutions. See handout for suggested lab safety subgroups. This is just a starting point.
Durnig their research students will realize that most safety information needed for this film is somewhat universal across different industries. It may also be possible to consult a school district safety officer if they are available.
- Biotechnology Lab Safety Video Outline [ Download ] Suggest subgroup topics for student research and production groups.
- Lab Safety Map - Projects
An additional assignment to the lab safety video is a lab safety map that all students should be able to make for their particular classroom/lab.
- Lab Safety Map [ Download ] Handout for students to make a lab safety map of classroom/lab. Students must also be able to fill in functions for basic lab safety equipment.
- Viewing of Safety Video - Closure
Watch the final product in class and be safe!
Assessment
- Assessment Types:
- Writing Samples, Demonstrations, Observations,
1. Initially student subgroups will turn in a written outline of the main content to be covered in their section of the safety video.
2. After instructor approval of safety outlines by subgroup, each group will pitch their story idea or format for presenting their content in the safety video. They will also turn in a list a props or locations they need for filming their activity.
3. Groups will also be assessed on their involved and effort during the filming and production of the video.
