A school science technician maintains and distributes equipment and reagents in a science lab, instructs students in lab procedures and safety, troubleshoots procedures, and provides immediate care in case of accidents. They also procure and maintain implements, chemicals, and materials, and may act as substitute teachers. A college education in a scientific field is often required.
A school science technician is responsible for the maintenance, handling, and distribution of equipment and reagents used within a school science laboratory. In many cases, technicians are asked to help and instruct students in laboratory procedures and necessary safety precautions. This usually involves close coordination with faculty and other staff in the science department. A school science technician must also be ready to troubleshoot procedures that go wrong and provide necessary immediate care to students involved in laboratory accidents. Occasionally, technicians may be asked to act as substitute teachers in the absence of science teachers.
Most of the school science technician tasks take place in the school laboratory where the technician is responsible for procuring and maintaining the different implements, chemicals and other materials used in the lessons. The technician should make sure that all tools used in the laboratory, from tweezers to microscopes, are in good working order and well calibrated. He also needs to ensure that all chemical reagents are in adequate quantity and that all solutions are prepared according to instructions. The technician’s job is to take care of all living organisms, such as bacterial cultures and animals for dissection, being used in the laboratory. Maintaining additional teaching resources like slides and projectors also falls under the job description of a school science technician.
In many schools, the responsibilities of a school science technician extend into an instructional role; the technician often helps professors demonstrate the proper use of laboratory equipment as well as necessary safety procedures for laboratory work. This includes teaching students how to calibrate measuring devices, controlling heating implements, and washing equipment after use. Technicians must also teach students how to properly handle chemical and organic samples in order to avoid potential damage. If a student has an accident during a lab procedure, a school science technician must know how to administer first aid for a specific situation. In general, the coach should be available to offer advice to students who are having difficulty with their work.
School science technician requirements often include college education in a scientific field, as sometimes technicians are asked to help with lectures. Although the level of knowledge required to be effective in a coach’s usual responsibilities is relatively less than that of a teacher, coaches often need to explain important principles to students. A deep understanding of the subject will allow a school science coach to be more effective in their work and better able to help students learn.
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