At-home labs

Carrying out labs at home can be possible depending on your situation. There are a number of potential issues that should be considered before you decide.

Safety is the number one most important consideration.

If the lab is using dangerous chemicals, procedures or open flames, then the risk is high and not recommended. This can be addressed by asking for a safety analysis for the experiment before the student starts and meeting with the student, perhaps virtually, to discuss the procedure. It is also important not to forget how the disposal of any chemicals will be dealt with.

Image: Chen, Meir. Unsplash, 2020.

The work must be the student's own work and the teacher must verify this.

This can be done in a number of different ways:

• Ask for daily pictures of the experiment. This is especially useful if it is a long term experiment such as growing plants.

• Videos of the students carrying out the experiment are also very useful.

• A summary of the experiment that may include pictures, videos and data updated on a daily basis.

• It is helpful to also make sure that the student’s parents are aware of the experiment.