Biosafety · SHS3 Biomedical Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.1.2.LI.1 - Undertake proper planning of experiments to avoid accidents.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Identify potential hazards and risks associated with selected biological agents used in laboratory experiments.
Develop a step-by-step experimental plan that includes risk identification and mitigation strategies before beginning any practical work.
Critically evaluate laboratory scenarios and identify safety violations in pictures of laboratory setups.
Work collaboratively in mixed-ability groups to produce a written risk mitigation plan for a selected biological agent.
Justify the importance of planning ahead as the first line of defence against laboratory accidents.

Sign in with your phone number to read the full note and download the GES plan - free.

Sign in with phone number

Curriculum details

Strand: Biomedical Science in Society (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Biosafety (1.2)
Content standard: 3.1.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of biosafety in setting up experiments. 3.1.2.LO.1 Apply the principles of biosafety to setup experiments.
Indicator: 3.1.2.LI.1 - Undertake proper planning of experiments to avoid accidents.
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. 85

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Experiential Learning: In mixed-ability groups, plan an experiment by selecting a biological agent, procedure to work with, identify risks, develop a mitigation plan and evaluate risk mitigation plans and carry out the experiment.
Exploratory Learning: Teacher shows several pictures of scenarios in a laboratory setup and learners identify what is wrong in the pictures in relation to safety in the laboratory.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Internet
- Pictures
- Different biological agent
- Videos
- Textbooks
- Projector
- Flip charts
Assessment (3.1.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.
Skills of a conceptual understanding