Science Lab Tools and Equipment

Theiss Elementary

Safety gloves(Rubber gloves, Latex gloves)

Safety Disposable gloves worn to protect the hand

from unsafe substances

Graduated cylinder

Measurement (volume) Metric (milliliters) A usually tall container used to

measure liquids. (“Graduated” means that the container has measurement lines.)

Triple beam balance

This tool is almost guaranteed to be on the STAAR test.

Measurement (mass) Metric (grams) A scale used to precisely measure mass; the

scale has three sets of weights in grams added for total mass

Spring balance

Measurement (mass) Metric and/or customary A scale that is hung (from a ring stand or

pulley system), and objects are attached to the hook to measure the weight

Pan balance

Measurement (mass) Metric, customary, or non-standard A scale used to measure mass; the two sides

of the scale must be equally balanced in order to determine mass.

Eye dropper

Measurement (volume) A short glass tube with a rubber bulb used to

measure and dispense liquids by drops.

Hand lens(Magnifying glass)

Observation A handheld tool with a large lens used to

magnify items

Microscope

Observation An instrument with a set of lenses used to

magnify (enlarge) very small things

STAAR tip: Binoculars and telescopes are used to see LARGE things from far away. Microscopes are used to see SMALL things up close.

Timer/Stopwatch

Measurement (time) A device that can be used to measure the

length of time for an action or observation.

Beaker

Measurement (volume) Metric (milliliters) A clear container used to measure liquids.

(Most beakers are graduated, but they are less precise than graduated cylinders.)

Test tube

Observation (rarely measurement) Slender container used to hold small

amounts (samples) of a liquid for purposes of experimentation

Test tube holder(Stoddard clamp)

Safety Wire tool used to safely hold and transport

test tubes. By squeezing the test tube holder, the wire grip opens and closes like a mouth.

Hot plate

Observation A single burner used to heat samples in a

lab. It must be used with caution and only with direct supervision in school

Compass

Observation A tool used to determine directionality and to

assess electromagnetism

Remember, no matter where the letters are, the arrow is always pointing north.

Prism

Observation A glass or plastic lens designed to refract

(bend) light

The STAAR test rarely mentions prisms but the concept of refracting (bending) light is tested nearly every single year.

Fire extinguisher

Safety A container full of chemicals

that produce a foam to put out fires

Apron

Safety An article of protective fabric used to cover

the torso; in elementary school, aprons simply protect the clothes

Goggles

Safety Plastic eyewear worn to protect the eyes from

harmful substances

Wind vane

Observation (direction) A tool that indicates where the wind is coming

from

Test tube clamp(Burette clamp)

Safety and Observation An adjustable, metal holder designed to be

attached to a ring stand to securely hold glass tubes

Ring stand Safety and observation A metal rod with a heavy base

used in labs to support clamps and other lab tools

Other lab equipment

Thermometer Magnet Battery Battery holder Electrical wire Light bulb Camera

Anemometer Switch Flashlight Pipette Flask Test tube rack Mirror