An important part of the science classroom involves teaching students how to safely use tools, techniques, and procedures. As emphasized in the National Science Education Standards, "safety is a fundamental concern in all experiential science" and teachers must "teach students how to engage safely in investigations inside and outside the classroom". A teacher's most effective strategy for creating a safe lab environment is to train students to follow recommended safety procedures. To protect themselves, students must learn to wear appropriate apparel for lab work and to properly use safety and personal protective equipment. Students who understand the reasons for the safety rules and the dangers of breaking the rules can assume responsibility for their actions and realize that one careless action can endanger the entire class. Here the author presents activities that allow students time to reflect on lab safety rules and discusses the implications of the rules through cooperative learning.