From September 2020, despite what Boris is blathering about in the papers, schools are finally returning, as much as they can, to life as normal. Schools will be aiming to deliver a broad, balanced and full curriculum to full classes, rather than just key worker children. For a practical subject such as science this means a return, where possible, to hands-on explorations, investigations and other practical work.
The Guidance from the DFE is thin on the nuts and bolts of how to carry out Science whilst the risk of covid is still an issue. They advise that “resources that are shared between classes or bubbles, such as sports, art and science equipment should be cleaned frequently and meticulously and always between bubbles, or rotated to allow them to be left unused and out of reach for a period of 48 hours (72 hours for plastics) between use by different bubbles.
Here’s a summary of some of the guidance that’s been released so far for September’s opening.
Primary Science
For Primary schools, CLEAPSS provides some great advice on planning, risk assessing and delivering practical activities in a bubble. It’s pretty comprehensive and I won’t duplicate it here, go visit them to see the whole thing.
Equipment should be quarantined and cleaned before use. Group sizes should be minimised and practicals carried out outdoors if possible. They also advise using disposable equipment, such as paper plates and cups that can be placed in the appropriate waste bins at the end of a lesson.
Bringing items in from home
Often, your lessons may need to use household items brought in by the children. This is allowed under the guidance providing cardboard is quarantined for 48hrs and plastic items for 72hrs. Provide storage bins at the door of the classroom to collect the items and then leave them out of reach for the required quarantine period (CLEAPSS).
Secondary Science
CLEAPSS have provided some good guidance on waiting to enter, entering and arranging students in the lab, which I won’t reproduce here, go take a look.
Equipment can be sharedby pupils within the same bubble. Departments will know how the bubbles are arranged in their school and can plan practical work accordingly.
For demonstrations, teachers will need their own set of equipment. This equipment will need to be quarantined or, where possible, meticulously cleaned before it is used by another teacher, or given out to pupils. If you’re showing students how to do a practical, don’t pick up and use kit that’s intended to be used by students.
Equipment to be shared between bubbles according to the DFE should be cleaned frequently and meticulously or quarantined used and out of reach for a period of 48 hours (72 hours for plastics). This includes safety spectacles – these can be soaked in Milton solution (for sterilising baby bottles).
CLEAPSS suggests that cleaning equipment thoroughly may not be possible with many items of lab equipment, and so quarantine for 72 hours is the only way. Provide secure storage space to allow this to take place. This could happen in the prep room. Label each box/tray to state when the equipment is safe to use.
CLEAPSS also suggests that certain practical activities such as those requiring saliva, blowing through straws or cheek cell scrapes are not carried out at all while Covid is still a risk.
Getting the most from demonstrations
It is not going to be possible to crowd students around the front of the classroom to view a demonstration due to social distancing requirement. Make use of a digital camera or visualiser connected to a data projector or interactive screen to show what is being demonstrated to the whole class. You might even wish to film demonstrations close-up in advance and play the video on your classroom screen.
Cleaning your Equipment
All equipment should be quarantied for 72 hours or cleaned thoroughly before it is reused.
- Clean using paper towels, soap and water
- Air dry or use paper towels
- Clean with a disinfectant labelled “kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses”. (Don’t use undiluted bleach)
- Follow guidance on the disinfectant for how long it needs to be in contact with the equipment. Typically 10-20mins of immersion for some disinfectants.
- Dispose of paper towels in the appropriate bin
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Cleaning Computers
Make sure that the keyboards are properly cleaned. Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe away as much visible dirt as possible before any sterilisation. You may need to do this more than once. Use a toothpick on any areas where grime can build up.
Following guidance from SSERC to disinfect computers, use an alcohol-based disinfectant with at least 60 percent ethanol (or 70 percent isopropanol.) You can use aerosols, pump sprays, or wipes, as long as they contain the necessary amount of alcohol. Because alcohol evaporates quickly, you can spray your devices and just leave them to dry. This is easy to do regularly. If you need to rub with a cloth, use wipes or paper towels you can dispose of when you are finished. Alcohol is flammable and should be used with care, away from sources of ignition. Laptops should be unplugged and fully powered off before cleaning.
Computers can be quarantied for 72 hours if being shared between bubbles.
SSERC also suggest covering touch screens with cling film which can be peeled off and replaced.
Links to Guidance
DFE Implementing Protective Measures in Education and Childcare Settings
DFE Guidance for full opening: schools
Scottish SSERC Guidance Primary
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