Equipping your science lab for success starts with the right consumables. Whether you’re teaching biology, chemistry, or physics, having essential supplies on hand helps students learn safely and effectively. Here are the top 10 must-have consumables every secondary school lab should stock.
1. Test Tubes and Test Tube Racks
Test tubes are the foundation of most experiments. Ensure you have a variety of sizes and a durable rack for easy organization and drying.
Test Tube:
A test tube is a small, cylindrical laboratory container used for holding, mixing, or heating small amounts of substances during scientific experiments.
Test Tube Rack:
A test tube rack is a laboratory stand designed to securely hold multiple test tubes in an upright position for easy handling, observation, and organization.
2. Glass Beakers and Measuring Cylinders
Accurate measurements are key in science. Beakers and graduated cylinders are essential for mixing, heating, and measuring liquids.
Glass Beaker:
A glass beaker is a wide-mouthed, cylindrical laboratory container used for mixing, stirring, heating, and holding liquids.
Measuring Cylinder:
A measuring cylinder is a tall, narrow laboratory instrument marked with a graduated scale, used for accurately measuring the volume of liquids.
Stock both glass and plastic versions to balance durability with cost.
3. pH Strips and Litmus Paper
These quick-testing strips help students identify acids and bases during chemistry lessons.
pH Strips:
pH strips are paper strips treated with chemical indicators that change color to determine the acidity or alkalinity (pH level) of a solution.
Litmus Paper:
Litmus paper is a type of pH indicator paper that turns red under acidic conditions and blue under alkaline conditions, used to quickly test whether a solution is acidic or basic.
4. Microscope Slides and Cover Slips
For biology labs, microscope slides and cover slips are essential for viewing cells, tissues, and microorganisms.
Microscope Slide:
A microscope slide is a thin, flat piece of glass or plastic used to hold specimens for examination under a microscope.
Cover Slip:
A cover slip is a small, thin square or rectangular piece of glass or plastic placed over a specimen on a microscope slide to protect it and improve image clarity.
Pre-cleaned, standard-size glass slides with plastic or glass covers.
5. Filter Paper
Used in both chemistry and biology for separating solids from liquids. Filter paper is crucial for demonstrating filtration techniques.
Filter paper is a porous paper used in laboratories to separate solids from liquids by allowing the liquid to pass through while retaining the solid particles.
Stock various sizes and pore grades for different applications.
6. Dissection Kits and Gloves
Whether you’re studying animal organs or plant tissues, sterile gloves and basic dissection tools are essential.
Dissection Kit:
A dissection kit is a set of specialized tools, such as scalpels, scissors, and forceps, used for carefully cutting and examining biological specimens.
Gloves:
Gloves are protective hand coverings made of materials like latex or nitrile, worn to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination during laboratory procedures.
7. Dropper Bottles and Pipettes
For transferring small amounts of liquid, droppers and pipettes provide accuracy and prevent contamination.
Dropper Bottles:
Dropper bottles are small containers equipped with a built-in dropper that allows dispensing liquids in small, controlled drops.
Pipettes:
Pipettes are laboratory tools used to accurately measure and transfer specific volumes of liquids from one container to another.
Disposable plastic pipettes or reusable glass droppers with rubber bulbs.
8. Bunsen Burner
Heating substances is a core part of many experiments. Make sure you have a safe and steady supply of fuel.
A Bunsen burner is a laboratory device that produces a single open flame used for heating, sterilization, and combustion during experiments.
9. Lab Notebooks or Experiment Sheets
Encourage scientific thinking with structured lab sheets or notebooks for students to record hypotheses, observations, and conclusions.
Lab Notebook:
A lab notebook is a bound or digital record used by scientists to document experimental procedures, observations, data, and results in a detailed and organized manner.
Experiment Sheet:
An experiment sheet is a structured form or worksheet used to record the steps, observations, and outcomes of a specific experiment.
10. Safety Consumables (Goggles, Aprons, First Aid Items)
No lab is complete without proper safety gear. Always have spare goggles, lab coats, and basic first aid supplies on hand.
Safety Consumables: Safety consumables are disposable or single-use items, such as gloves, masks, and protective wipes, used in laboratories to maintain hygiene and protect users from hazards.
Essential: Eyewash solution, antiseptic wipes, and bandages.
Conclusion
Keeping your secondary school lab stocked with these consumables ensures that practical science lessons run smoothly, safely, and effectively. Regular inventory checks and restocking plans can save time and improve the student experience.
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Browse our full range of affordable lab consumables and safety equipment, tailored for secondary schools. At Honey T Scientific Ltd. we give you the best.