CONCEPT: Machines are useful but can be dangerous.
CONTENT OBJECTIVE: 1A1.00 To understand safety in the use of machines
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:
1.01 observe and use a simple machine.
1.02 be made aware of safety in the classroom and familiarize themselves with necessary safety
1.03 know and observe proper safety procedures when using machines.
1.04 be extra cautious when using machines.
1.05 report any accidents or injuries, no matter how minor, to the teacher immediately.
OUTLINE OF CONTENT:
I. Questions and drawing conclusions
II. Following instructions
III. List of safety procedures
IV. Awareness of WARNING (safety) labels
TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Unifying Concepts of Science
TN GOAL:
To enable students to acquire scientific knowledge by applying concepts, theories, principles and laws from life/environmental, physical, and earth/space science.
TN THEME:
2.4 INTERACTIONS - At all levels of living and non-living systems, matter and energy act and react to determine the nature of our environment.
TN STANDARD(S):
The learner will understand that:
2.4a Interactions occur on scales ranging from elementary particles to galaxies.
BENCHMARK A pushing or a pulling force may alter a moving object.
CLASSROOM CONNECTOR
TIME REQUIRED:
Two - 35 minute class periods
MATERIALS:
Scissors, nut-cracker, paring knife, hammer, nail and wooden block, vehicle sign, and other copies of warning signals used with machines and machinery, screwdrivers, book-Machines and How They Work by Harvey Weiss, Audiovisual, "Science Around Us."
SET:
Raise your hand if you know why we use machines. (response) Since you know that machines are used to make work easier; think about some tool or machine that we use in the classroom that could Cause an injury to someone, and would be considered dangerous. Raise your hand if you can think of such a machine that we use in this classroom. Yes, scissors are a machine we use in the classroom. How can (???)be dangerous? We ask that you have scissors with blunt ends on them, but they can still cut us. A sharp pointed pair of scissors is more dangerous. Scissors are an important machine that we use in the classroom, that could be dangerous. We should use scissors carefully so that there is no injury caused to anyone when they are used.
INSTRUCTION:
How could this nut-cracker be dangerous? (response) Yes, a nut-cracker should be used with caution so as not to crush a bone as it is being used to crack a nut. How could this paring knife be used and accidentally cause an injury? Then, can we say that a paring knife is a useful tool or machine that can be classified as useful but could be dangerous? We need a knife to cut or peel, but it should be used cautiously so there is no bodily injury from the use of it.
1. Cut away from the body as you use the paring knife.
2. Do not let the point of the knife go toward the body.
3. Always use caution when using a machine.
4. Before handling and using machines, thoroughly familiarize yourself with necessary safety precautions.
(WARNING - At the start of each science activity remind students of relevant safety precautions. Never allow students to perform activities without supervision. Caution students about the use of sharp instruments and fragile glassware before using them. Have students report any accident or injury, no matter how minor, to you immediately.)
How could the point of the knife cause a personal injury? Should you cut toward your body or up toward your eyes? No, the point of the knife could put an eye out, or you could be cut by it. Is there danger in using a hammer and nail to nail the wood block to the floor? Yes, one could mash a finger or a piece of metal could fly off the nail and puncture the eye. Wear goggles or glasses when using a hammer and nail. Metal against metal could dislodge or the whole nail could glance and hit the eye and put it out.
The school should have accident forms that should be filled out and signed by the principal and instructor who witness an accident, should an accident occur at the school, anywhere.
Always follow all WARNING labels on machines.
CLOSURE:
What important information did we learn about the use of machines? (response) Machines are useful but can be dangerous. Machines must be used with caution. Should ALL WARNING labels be read before a machine is used? Yes!, always read ALL WARNING labels before using the machine. Use all safety guidelines available with machines. (Show the "Slow Moving Vehicle" sign and explain why students should be familiar with it when it is visible on the road. This is a warning sign for safety with machinery on the road.)
(Review Safety Rules in the next class.)
RESOURCES:
Teachers wanting more detailed safety information can write for the NSTA booklet, Safety in the Elementary Science Classroom, National Science Teachers Association 1742 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009
This is the
time this file has been accessed since 04/10/97.
The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.
