What should a teacher review before every laboratory investigation?

Before conducting any laboratory investigation, it is essential for a teacher to review safety precautions. Ensuring a safe laboratory environment is the primary concern when engaging in hands-on science activities. By emphasizing safety precautions, the teacher helps students understand potential hazards associated with the materials and procedures they will be using. This includes knowing how to handle chemicals, the importance of wearing personal protective equipment like goggles and gloves, and understanding what to do in case of an emergency.

Reviewing safety precautions sets a responsible tone for the investigation and prepares students to conduct experiments safely, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. This foundational step in any laboratory work fosters a culture of safety, which is critical in cultivating responsible scientific inquiry.

While other aspects, such as data analysis techniques, hypothesis formulation, and equipment manuals, are also important in the context of conducting a laboratory investigation, none are as crucial as ensuring that all participants are aware of and adhere to safety protocols. Safety is a non-negotiable aspect of the laboratory experience that directly impacts the well-being of students and the success of the investigation.