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 TAKS 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

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.

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 * The TAKS test will always call this a HAND LENS

Microscope Observation An instrument with a set of lenses used to magnify (enlarge) very small things TAKS tip: Binoculars and telescopes are used to see LARGE things from far away. Microscopes are used to see SMALL things up close.

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

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

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 TAKS 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

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

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

Sample dish (Petri dish) Observation Small, clear trays used to contain and observe experimental samples, biological or chemical

Test tube brush Cleaning A brush used to clean the insides of test tubes and other narrow glass containers

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 Anemometer Switch Flashlight Pipette Flask Test tube rack