1. Mark out your cut lines prior to using a cutting tool. This way you will know where you can safely hold the material you are cutting.

2. Make sure you safely and properly open the tool.

3. Hold the handle of the cutting tool securely. This way you will have good control of the tool.

4. Never touch the metal blade. They are very sharp and dangerous!

5. Safely and properly close the cutting tool when you are finished using it. 

Paper Cutter - This tool has its own station at the Paper Cutter Table in the back of the room. Hold the cutting arm from the handle. Lift the arm up, slide your material through, and then close the arm to make the cut. Paper cutters are used to cut sheet materials like paper, tag board, and cardboard. Close the arm when you are done.

Scissors - They are located in the Corner Cabinet of the STEAM Lab and they can be used at your lab table. These are used to cut thin materials like paper, mylar, tape, and yarn. Close the blades back together when you are finished using it.

Shears - These have an orange handle and are located in the Hand Tools bin. They can be used back at your lab table. They have a safety lever that you have to open before using them. They are used to cut thicker materials like popsicle sticks, cardboard, and paper clips. Close the blades and pull down the safety lever when you are finished using it.

Balsa Cutter - These look very similar to shears. Think "B"...Blue for Balsawood. These are located in the Hand Tools bin and can be used back at your lab table. They have a safety lever that you have to open before using them. They are used to cut balsawood sticks. Close the blade and pull down the safety lever when you are finished using it.