Lab experiments and chemical reactions are one of the most memorable ways to teach and learn chemistry, not to mention a necessary component of high school science. The hands-on learning opportunities provided by doing science projects simply can’t be duplicated through reading and memorization. But while lab lessons are usually fun, there are serious dangers. Knowing, posting, and following safety guidelines when dealing with chemicals will help you minimize risks and maximize learning.

Here are a few safety guidelines you may consider implementing in your homeschool or co-op lab. Public and private schools often adopt their own lab safety rules that are more comprehensive, which is necessary due to the larger volume of chemicals and superior storage and handling capabilities in those settings. For most home applications, these will suffice. However, safety is ultimately your responsibility, so you’ll need to determine what adequate safety protocol looks like in your homeschool science lab.