Science Laboratory Tools
Beakers:They are used for routine mixing & heating where a larger opening is more convenient than a narrow mouth & the greater accuracy of a graduated cylinder is not required. Although it can be used for measuring, a chemistry beaker is only about 10% accurate & should not be used for precision measurement.
Graduated cylinders: are useful for measuring out liquids or for calibrating beakers and erlenmeyer flasks. They are useful for doing displacement/density measurements as well as basic volume measuring.
Erlenmeyer flasks : They can be used for general measuring or even juice containers. An erlenmeyer flask can be sealed with parafilm or rubber or cork stoppers. They are of similar accuracy to science lab beakers but less than graduated cylinders.
Watchglasses - Beaker Covers: Watch glasses have all kinds of uses. They that can be used as beaker lids, to hold small invertebrates for viewing under a microscope or to dissolve crystals & powders. Make an ice lens!
Boiling (Florence) Flasks:The boiling flasks shown in the picture have round bottoms and need a 4 fingered support clamp and bosshead as shown. The
flat bottom versions are identical except that the bottom is flat and can stand upright without support.
Support Stands, Rings and Clamps:These are metal labwares that help support the various glass equipment.
Dissecting Instrument Kit:This basic dissecting kit is intended for elementary and middle school use for studying fish, worms, insects and invertebrates.
Forceps:The two fine tipped splinter forceps are shown to the left and the medium point forceps are shown to the right. Thumb dressing forceps are similar to the medium points but are slightly larger. Tissue forceps (not shown) have teeth on them for an extra firm hold; they are sometimes known as mouse or rat-tooth forceps.
Common Laboratory Apparatus
Laboratory Equipment
Lab rules
1. Be respectful, follow your teacher's instructions, and don't take shortcuts.
2. Always get your teacher's permission before attempting any laboratory investigation.
3. Read the procedures carefully, paying attention to safety information and cautionary statements.
4. As a responsible citizen, be aware of the location of and the procedure for using the nearest fire alarms, fire-evacuation routes and any other safety equipment, such as fire blankets and eyewash fountains.
5. Never work alone in the laboratory.
6. Walk with care and keep your work area free from all unnecessary clutter. Keep backpacks and other belongings at a certain place designated by your teacher.
7. Dress appropriately on lab day, tie back long hair, remove dangling jewelry and wear closed-toed shoes or sandals in the laboratory. Wear an apron to protect your clothing from staining, burning, or corrosion if instructed by your teacher.
8. Certain products, like hair spray, are flammable and should not be worn while working near an open flame.
9. Wear approved safety goggles when working with or around chemicals, any mechanical device, or any type of flame or heating device. If any substance gets in your eyes or spills or your skin or clothes, rinse it immediately with water and have someone notify your teacher.
10. Wear protective gloves or oven mitts to avoid burns.
11. Be trustworthy and never touch, taste, smell or mix any chemicals unless your teacher instructs you do so.
12. Use knives and other sharp instruments with extreme care. Always cut an object after placing it on a suitable surface for cutting.
13. Handle plants and animals carefully and wash your hands afterwards. Always treat animals with care and respect.
14. While using electrical equipment, be careful about the wiring, hanging and damaged cords. Be sure your hands are dry and the electrical equipment is turned off before plugging it into the outlet. Turn off all equipment when you are finished using it.
15. Be a responsible and careful scientist by examining glassware to make sure that it is clean and is free of chips and cracks. Report damaged glassware to your teacher.
16. CLEANUP: Clean your work area before leaving! Follow your teacher's directions for washing, unplugging and putting away the equipment. Wash hands with soap and water after working in the laboratory.
17. Stay, work and talk to your own group. Don't leave your group and work area unless instructed by the teacher. Do not sit on counters or tables.
2. Always get your teacher's permission before attempting any laboratory investigation.
3. Read the procedures carefully, paying attention to safety information and cautionary statements.
4. As a responsible citizen, be aware of the location of and the procedure for using the nearest fire alarms, fire-evacuation routes and any other safety equipment, such as fire blankets and eyewash fountains.
5. Never work alone in the laboratory.
6. Walk with care and keep your work area free from all unnecessary clutter. Keep backpacks and other belongings at a certain place designated by your teacher.
7. Dress appropriately on lab day, tie back long hair, remove dangling jewelry and wear closed-toed shoes or sandals in the laboratory. Wear an apron to protect your clothing from staining, burning, or corrosion if instructed by your teacher.
8. Certain products, like hair spray, are flammable and should not be worn while working near an open flame.
9. Wear approved safety goggles when working with or around chemicals, any mechanical device, or any type of flame or heating device. If any substance gets in your eyes or spills or your skin or clothes, rinse it immediately with water and have someone notify your teacher.
10. Wear protective gloves or oven mitts to avoid burns.
11. Be trustworthy and never touch, taste, smell or mix any chemicals unless your teacher instructs you do so.
12. Use knives and other sharp instruments with extreme care. Always cut an object after placing it on a suitable surface for cutting.
13. Handle plants and animals carefully and wash your hands afterwards. Always treat animals with care and respect.
14. While using electrical equipment, be careful about the wiring, hanging and damaged cords. Be sure your hands are dry and the electrical equipment is turned off before plugging it into the outlet. Turn off all equipment when you are finished using it.
15. Be a responsible and careful scientist by examining glassware to make sure that it is clean and is free of chips and cracks. Report damaged glassware to your teacher.
16. CLEANUP: Clean your work area before leaving! Follow your teacher's directions for washing, unplugging and putting away the equipment. Wash hands with soap and water after working in the laboratory.
17. Stay, work and talk to your own group. Don't leave your group and work area unless instructed by the teacher. Do not sit on counters or tables.
Reflections
I have learned that a science laboratory would not be complete without tools. These tools reflect on the mind and the imagination of a scientist. Without these,there would be no science. Some of the tools of a life scientist are beakers, test tubes, and a heat source. Glassware that is heated must withstand heating, or it will break. Hot plates or burners can be used to heat various chemicals.Basically,science apparatus are to facilitate experimenting while ensuring safety at all times.Therefore,we should follow lab rules to avoid accidents to you and others.Heed my advice and be a role model!Most important of all,we should keep in mind to never let convenience compromise our safety!FINISH
