Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Quality science studies are conducted in the laboratory. And a laboratory is a place that provides controlled and suitable conditions where a student can perform varied experiments and research. So if you want to extend quality science education, a school must extend an environment equipped with all basic sets of equipment.
The school laboratory is designed to help students enhance their knowledge by learning and performing different theoretical concepts of science. And equipment plays a crucial role in enabling them to perform experiments.
Basic set of equipment that a school science lab must have
Though a diverse range of equipment must be in school science labs, authorities mustn’t compromise on the quality of laboratory equipment. Also, we have listed the basic set of equipment to help you get started.
Instruments in the school science lab
Microscope
A microscope is the most common equipment that is widely used in school science labs to study tiny objects. The most common type is a compound microscope.
Weighing machine
A weighing machine can precisely weigh the mass or weight of any sample product to obtain the desired result of the experiment.
Barometer
It is the equipment used to measure the exerted pressure, commonly known as barometric pressure, in a specific environment.
Speedometer
It measures the instantaneous speed of any object at a particular time.
Stopwatch
A handy timepiece is a must-have equipment in school science labs. It is used to measure the time intervals by its activation and deactivation points. It measures the duration of an event in fractions of a second.
Magnifying glass
This is the simplest form of the basic microscope. It comprises a convex lens that is used to enlarge objects to get a magnified image of any object.
Thermometer
These range from -10˚C to 110˚C, which is used to measure the temperature of water’s boiling or freezing point during science experiments.
Ammeter
It is used extensively in physics labs to measure the current in a circuit. The device can measure both AC and DC currents. Amongst many others, 0-1A, 0-5A, and 0-15A are the most common types of ammeters found in school science labs.
Voltmeter
It is an electric instrument used to measure the voltage or EMF, i.e., electromotive force. It is also known as a voltage meter and is sometimes used to measure the potential difference or voltage between two points in a circuit.
Calorimeter
It is a device that measures the temperature change when a mechanical, electrical, or chemical reaction is carried out. It can also measure the heat capacity of materials and thermal changes in a body.
Spring balance
It is an instrument widely used in physics labs to measure weight by measuring the tension in the string. And it determines the force exerted by an object.
Glasswares in the science lab
Test tubes
Test tubes, commonly known as culture tubes, are basic equipment that is used to hold liquid samples in an upright position in test tube stands.
Beakers
Available in a range of sizes, beakers are glass-made cylindrical containers with flat bottoms. They are widely used in labs to carry out various experiments as they can withstand high temperatures.
Volumetric flask
These graduated or measuring flasks are flat-bottomed bulbs with an elongated neck used to hold a specific volume at a specific temperature.
Measuring cylinder
It is another graduated cylinder that is used to measure the volume of liquid. These are available in a range of sizes and shapes and have a flat bottom with a narrow cylindrical shape.
Pipette
These are graduated equipment used in school labs to transfer an accurate volume of liquid in the sample.
Funnel
These are long conical or bulging thistle-shaped glass tubes that are used to transfer liquids or powders in containers with small openings.
Several other glassware that is a must in schools’ science labs are:
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Burette
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Conical flask
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Stirring rod
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Round bottom flask
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Separating funnels
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Dropper
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Spatula
Stands used in laboratories
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Tripod Stand
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Retort stand
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Test tube stand
Other basic equipment
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Tongs
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Brushes for test tubes
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Watch glass
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Wash bottles
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Crucible
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Tuning fork
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Wire gauze
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Mortar pestle
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Forceps
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Bunsen burner
Endnote
An extensive range of equipment is vital for school science labs. However, the school authorities should never compromise on quality, and only high-quality solutions should be used to set up the school science labs.
