1. Science Lab Tools and Equipment Theiss Elementary

2. Safety gloves (Rubber gloves, Latex gloves) Safety Disposable gloves worn to protect the hand from unsafe substances

3. Graduated cylinder Measurement (volume) Metric (milliliters) A usually tall container used to measure liquids. (“Graduated” means that the container has measurement lines.)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Eye dropper Measurement (volume) A short glass tube with a rubber bulb used to measure and dispense liquids by drops.

8. Hand lens (Magnifying glass) Observation A handheld tool with a large lens used to magnify items

9. 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.

10. Timer/Stopwatch Measurement (time) A device that can be used to measure the length of time for an action or observation.

11. Beaker Measurement (volume) Metric (milliliters) A clear container used to measure liquids. (Most beakers are graduated, but they are less precise than graduated cylinders.)

12. Test tube Observation (rarely measurement) Slender container used to hold small amounts (samples) of a liquid for purposes of experimentation

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Fire extinguisher Safety A container full of chemicals that produce a foam to put out fires

18. Apron Safety An article of protective fabric used to cover the torso; in elementary school, aprons simply protect the clothes

19. Goggles Safety Plastic eyewear worn to protect the eyes from harmful substances

20. Wind vane Observation (direction) A tool that indicates where the wind is coming from

21. 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

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

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

24. Ring stand Safety and observation A metal rod with a heavy base used in labs to support clamps and other lab tools

25. Other lab equipment Thermometer Magnet Battery Battery holder Electrical wire Light bulb Camera Anemometer Switch Flashlight Pipette Flask Test tube rack Mirror