Biosafety · SHS2 Biomedical Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.1.2.LI.2 - Demonstrate proper setup of biosafety cabinet and its environment.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Explain the purpose of a biosafety cabinet and state the three main classes of biosafety cabinets (Class I, II, and III).
Identify the key components of a biosafety cabinet (e.g., HEPA filter, UV light, work surface, sash, front grill) and their functions.
Set up a biosafety cabinet correctly, including proper placement of materials, adjusting the sash to the correct height, and ensuring airflow is unobstructed.
Arrange the laboratory environment around a biosafety cabinet to minimise contamination risks, following principles learned in previous weeks on biosafety levels.
Demonstrate safe work practices inside the cabinet, including a clear work zone, proper waste disposal, and decontamination of the work surface before and after use.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Biomedical Science in Society (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Biosafety (1.2)
Content standard: 2.1.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the essence of protection from biohazard exposure. 2.1.2.LO.1 Explain the need for protection from biohazard exposure.
Indicator: 2.1.2.LI.2 - Demonstrate proper setup of biosafety cabinet and its environment.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 6 (Week 6 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 56

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Structured Learning: Learners visit labs or watch videos of a typical lab setting to identify hazards (pathogens, spillage, toxins, sharp objects etc.) in a typical lab and describe some potential negative outcome(s) of a given hazard and the frequency of occurrence (risk).
Collaborative Learning: Learners work in pairs to proffer solutions to reduce risk of hazards such as proper disposal, proper labelling, proper arrangement of items, facility design that avoids moving contaminated and uncontaminated materials through the same space.
Demonstrative Learning: Observe an expert or resource person as they set up biosafety cabinet. Take turns to demonstrate the proper setup of the biosafety cabinet.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Textbooks
- Chats
- Writing boards
- Projector
- PPEs
- Dye
- Lab space
- Videos
- Notebooks
- Textbooks
- Whiteboards
Assessment (2.1.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.