Unit: What do scientists do?
– Week 1 Lesson Plan
Lesson Title: Introduction to Science & Lab Safety
Duration: 1 double period (80–90 minutes)
Year Level: MYP1 (Grade 6)
Subject: Science (Nature of Science)
Global Context: Identities and Relationships
Key Concept: Relationships (between scientists, science, and society)
ATL Focus: Collaboration skills, Information literacy skills
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain what science is and what scientists do.
2. Identify the importance of lab safety in scientific work.
3. Demonstrate correct use of basic lab safety equipment.
4. Create and sign a class science safety agreement.
Lesson Outline
Part 1 – Starter (10 min)
Activity: “What is a Scientist?” Brainstorm
o Show 3–4 pictures of scientists (diverse: lab, fieldwork, computer
modelling).
o Ask: “What do scientists actually do?”
o Students write answers on sticky notes and post on board.
o Group similar ideas → link to observation, experimentation,
discovery.
Purpose: Bust stereotypes, introduce science as varied and collaborative.
Part 2 – Mini-Lesson: Science in Our World (15 min)
Short presentation:
o What is science? (Systematic study of the natural world through
observation and experimentation.)
o Different branches (biology, chemistry, physics, earth science).
o Examples of science improving everyday life (medicine, energy,
technology).
Quick Q&A: “Where have you seen science in action in your daily life?”
Part 3 – Lab Safety Introduction (15 min)
Show actual safety equipment: goggles, lab coat, gloves, fire
extinguisher, first aid kit.
Explain lab rules (project on screen / print handouts):
1. No eating/drinking in the lab.
2. Wear safety gear when required.
3. Follow instructions carefully.
4. Report accidents immediately.
5. Handle equipment responsibly.
Interactive Activity: “Spot the Safety Hazards” — Show a cartoon or
photo of a “messy” lab scene, students list all unsafe behaviours.
Part 4 – Safety Equipment & Rules Activity (20 min)
Stations Setup:
1. Goggles station: Practice proper wear & cleaning.
2. Lab coat station: Correct putting on and removal.
3. Fire extinguisher station: Demonstration (without actual
discharge).
4. Spill clean-up: Demonstrate safe liquid clean-up using paper
towel/sand.
Students rotate in small groups.
Part 5 – Class Safety Agreement (10 min)
As a class, create a “Science Safety Contract”:
o Each student suggests one rule to add.
o Teacher finalizes and prints.
o All students sign it and keep a copy in their science notebooks.
Part 6 – Plenary & Formative Check (10 min)
Quick quiz (5 questions, multiple choice or true/false) on safety rules.
Ask exit ticket question: “One thing I learned today about being a
scientist is…”
Resources Needed
Projector & slides (pictures of scientists, safety hazards)
Sticky notes & markers
Safety equipment (goggles, lab coats, gloves, extinguisher)
Printed safety rules handout
Safety cartoon/photo for “Spot the Hazards”
Copies of “Science Safety Agreement”
Assessment
Formative: Observation during safety stations, participation in
brainstorm.
Summative (later in week): Lab safety quiz to be recorded in marks.
