Safety and STEM Activities in Elementary Classes

Dr. Roy brings to our attentions the need to always be safety conscious before deciding to use electric tools or other potentially hazardous items. With the newer emphasis on engineering de... See More

Dr. Roy brings to our attentions the need to always be safety conscious before deciding to use electric tools or other potentially hazardous items. With the newer emphasis on engineering design activities in the elementary classrooms, teachers understand that hand and power tools for STEM projects must be treated with the utmost care and caution. It seems like it would be common sense to not hand a third grader a power tool with no instruction or guidance, but then accidents do occur. It is especially important in the elementary setting that students are furnished the appropriate safety protective gear/equipment. For example, eyewear should be used when engaging in a variety of STEM projects, and the eyewear should be OSHA-approved safety goggles. The OSHA standard is provided in the article. The end of the article contains a list of helpful websites on the safe use of hand and power tools in classrooms.

Importance of Safety

this article brings to light how important it is to be safe during lessons. These Elementary students were using potentially dangerous tools. This showed me that with being careful and addr... See More

this article brings to light how important it is to be safe during lessons. These Elementary students were using potentially dangerous tools. This showed me that with being careful and addressing all safety concerns, STEM activities can work! Especially because STEM activities like this are so much fun for students