Safety+Rules

**NOTHING REPLACES GOOD OLD COMMON SENSE. I WANT TO GIVE MY STUDENTS LOTS OF ROOM FOR CREATIVITY AND INVENTIVENESS, BUT ABOVE ALL, I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET HURT. ALL SEVENTH GRADE PROJECTS GO THROUGH A REVIEW PROCESS EARLY IN THE PROJECT AND I HOPE TO CLARIFY ANY SAFETY CONCERNS THEN, BUT PLEASE ALWAYS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE OR QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY.** **THANKS,** **RICK ROSSI**
 * PLEASE NOTE: SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN DONE WITHOUT PROPER SUPERVISION. SINCE MUCH OF THIS IS INDEPENDENT WORK BEING DONE AT HOME, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT PROPER SUPERVISION IS PART OF IT. SEVENTH GRADERS HAVE THE ABILITY AND CREATIVITY TO GET INVOLVED IN ELABORATE PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE THE USE OF SHARP TOOLS OR DANGEROUS MATERIALS. WHILE THEIR USE IS NOT REQUIRED TO DO A GREAT PROJECT, STUDENTS MAY DECIDE TO USE THEM. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT ALL ASPECTS OF THESE PROJECTS ARE HANDLED SAFELY.**

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We use the [|Connecticut Science Fair safety guidelines] as a source for our rules. They are quite extensive and restrictive. However, common sense and a few modified rules that are better suited to our situation at Ashford School are important to remember. Here are ten important guidelines that I enforce for our Science Night:

1. All proposals must be approved by me before a project can be developed and set up for display. When I review projects, my main concern is for safety and I must consider the audience ranging in age from preschoolers all the way up to adults. It is possible for a project to be completely appropriate for a middle schooler, but dangerous for a preschooler.

2. No display can require plugging into a 120 volt outlet or be accompanied by any type of device that converts electrical power to a voltage that exceeds a safe level. 9 volt transistor batteries, D size batteries, or smaller batteries are acceptable if used properly. However, they can cause fire or explosion if not used properly, so please review their use with me before planning on using them. I will be happy to answer questions or help with technical questions.

3. Some projects may require a projector, VCR, or computer for presentation. These projects are videos or PowerPoint Presentations and are housed in a separate room where computers as well as other types of equipment are provided. I need to know about these projects when your proposal is submitted, well in advance, if plans to include them need to be made.

4. Displays cannot include poisonous, toxic, noxious, caustic, or dangerous chemicals. Displays also cannot include exposed pathogenic materials that may cause disease, infections or illness. Remember, many very young children might attend our event. They may find something like a colorful crystal or powder interesting enough to taste.

5. Displays cannot include knives, razors, sharp edges, points, needles, or projectiles that could cause injury. Again, we need to consider the young children that are attending.

6. All structures and mechanical elements must be sound and sturdy enough to withstand bumping or jarring. If a display looks as if it is going to fall and it cannot be made safe, then we may have to fore go displaying it.

7. Please be advised that access to displays can be wide ranging, so leaving valuable materials like an iPod or a laptop unattended at your display may result in it getting stolen. The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen valuables.

8. No project can include the use of chemicals that may cause an explosion, fire, or the build up of pressure that may cause injury.

9. Projects that involve drinking, eating, or tasting food as well as exposure to allergens must receive approval from me before they can be done. Some people have allergies that can be life threatening and we again have to consider young children that may eat, touch, or inhale something dangerous.

10. Projects using dry ice, liquid nitrogen, or any other super cold material need prior approval. Displays that use these materials must include approved adult supervision at all times and be placed in a safe area as to limit access. No one, except for approved individuals, may handle these materials during its display. These materials can cause serious and instantaneous frostbite.

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