Lab goggles = eye insurance.

Think of lab goggles like a tiny superhero cape for your eyes: invisible insurance that costs almost nothing but can save you from big trouble. As your teacher, I’ve watched students do amazing experiments and I’ve also seen the moment someone regrets not putting their goggles on. It only takes a second to snap them over your face, but that second can protect you from spills, splashes, or a flying piece of glass. Saying “Lab goggles = eye insurance” is a quick, powerful reminder that doing the small, simple thing now keeps your future safe and lets you keep exploring without fear. It’s okay to feel annoyed about wearing goggles—fun can feel better without a strap across your forehead—but choosing to wear them is a brave and smart choice, not a silly one. When students see a friend wearing goggles confidently, they follow. When the teacher models it, the whole class learns a safe habit. If someone teases you for wearing goggles, try a calm, proud answer: “I’m keeping my eyes for later,” or smile and put them on anyway. Those tiny phrases change the mood. If your goggles fog up or feel uncomfortable, don’t pull them off in the middle of an experiment; instead, raise your hand, tell the teacher, and we’ll help you fix them. We practice how to fit goggles, how to clean them, and how to store them because safety is a skill we can get better at with practice. You are allowed to be nervous about something new—lab work can be surprising—but reminding yourself of short, strong phrases can steady you: “Safety first,” “One step at a time,” or “I can ask for help.” These lines help you focus, calm your nerves, and remind everyone around you that safety is part of being smart and brave. In class we also use simple words to help friends quickly: a quiet “Watch out!” or a hand on someone’s shoulder to remind them to check their goggles. If an accident ever happens, tell a teacher right away so we can help you and make it safe for the whole class. Small habits now—like putting on eye protection every time—build confidence and show that you care about yourself and others. Soon it becomes automatic: you don’t think about it, you just do it, because that’s what people who love learning do. And remember, wearing goggles isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being prepared. Keep practicing, remind your friends, and wear your “eye insurance” proudly—your future self will thank you. Quick phrases to use when you or a friend needs a safety reminder: - “Goggles on—let’s go!” / “Safety first.” / “Need help?” / “Watch it!” / “I’ve got you.” / “One step at a time.”