Field safety

Safety tips

Five rules for safe fieldwork. Look them over any time, especially before you head outside.

Rule 1
Wear gloves with unknown specimens
If you're touching plants, fungi or animals you can't identify, put gloves on. Some things in the wild can irritate your skin.
Rule 2
Never taste or eat samples
Not even a tiny bit. Harmless-looking plants and mushrooms can be poisonous. Photos only.
Rule 3
Explore with a teacher or trusted adult
Let a teacher or adult know where you're going and what you're doing. Fieldwork is safer, and more fun, with a partner.
Rule 4
Wash your hands afterwards
Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling anything from outside, and always before you eat.
Rule 5
Leave what you find
Take a photo, not the specimen. Scopey works with photos, so you never need to pick, dig up or capture anything.

Not sure about something?

Ask a teacher or trusted adult before you touch a specimen or try a new activity.