Lab Equipment Introduction

Goggles & ApronSAFETY and PROTECTION!!!

Beaker

Function:

Provides an approximate measurement of a liquid’s volume in liters (L) or millimeters (mL).

Task:

What is the volume of the liquid in the beaker? What units are you using?

Graduated Cylinder

Look closely Function:• Measures the volume of

liquid in mL• The liquid is measured at

the meniscus (curved surface of the water)

Task:

Read the volume of water in the graduated cylinder at the meniscus. Ask your partner if they agree.

Flask

Function:• Container for chemicals• Measures volume• Cylindrical neck allows

liquids to be swirled

Task:

Practice swirling the liquid inside the flasks, be careful not to let any liquid spill out. Identify the type of flask.

Test Tube & Rubber Stopper

Function:• Holds liquid chemicals• Glass or plastic tube with

an open or stoppered end

Task:

Examine the test tube and stopper the end. Remember: NEVER point the test tube at anyone or allow it to roll off of the lab table and break!

Test Tube Brush and Rack

Function:

• The brush is for proper cleaning of the test tubes

• The Rack securely holds the test tubes in place in an upright position

Task:

See how the brush fits in the test tube and stand a few tubes in a rack.

Test Tube Clamp

Function:• Holds the test tube • Used when the test tube

contains dangerous or hot chemicals

Task:

Practice picking up the test tube with the test tube clamp. Be very careful!

DO NOT break the glass.

Petri Dish

Function:• Allows the growth and

observation of organisms• Looks like a clear shallow

dish with a lid• Can be plastic or glass• Can be cleaned and re-

used again

Task:

Examine the petri dish. Practice putting the lid on it.

Pipette

Comes in different lengths Function:• Transfers a small amount

of liquid volume (drop by drop) by squeezing and releasing the bulb

Task:Practice using the eyedropper by transferring 10 drops of liquid into the small beaker. Always put the eyedropper back into the glass bottle and screw the lid back on in order to prevent spills.

Culture Dish

Function:• A glass or plastic dish

that biologists use to culture cells or hold specimens

Task:

Notice a culture dish and a beaker can serve similar functions

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Forceps and Tongs

Function:

• Both of these tools come in a variety of sizes and styles

• They are used for grasping things that require precision

Task:

Practice using them with small objects around the room

Hand Lens

Or Magnifying Lens Function:• Makes objects look

bigger for observation• Can be plastic or glass

Task:

Practice using the magnifying lens. Look at a few objects at your lab table. Be very carful: DO NOT break or scratch the glass.

Dropper Bottle and Funnel

Function:• Used to store and neatly

dispense various liquids using the pipette or dropper

• Another tool to help transport from container to container

Task:Use dropper to put 10 drops of water into another container

Use the funnel to take one full bottle and fill a different one

Dissecting Equipment

Function:• Helps to cut, observe,

transfer, and examine biological specimens.

• Includes: dissection needle, scissors, scalpel, forceps, T-pins and dissecting Pan

Task:

Examine the dissecting equipment. Be VERY careful when handling sharp objects!

Microscope

Function:• Uses objective lenses to

magnify small objects for observation

• Magnifications can vary

Task:

Practice using the microscope by magnifying the piece of yarn. What magnification did you use?

Microscope Slide, Cover Slip, and Depression Slide

Function:• A microscope slide is a long thin piece

of glass that specimens are placed on for study under a microscope

• A depression slide has a concavity in one surface over which a cover glass can be placed and that is used in biology for hanging-drop cultures

• Cover slips are small squares of glass that cover the specimen placed on the

microscope slideTask:• Place a single strand of hair on the

slide, use water, and place a cover slip over it and view

Balance

Mass, not Weight! Function:• Measures the mass of an

object• Measurements are in

grams

Task:

Find the mass of an object on your lab table. Ask your partner if they agree with your answer.

Hot Plate

Function:• Heats chemicals or other

lab objects• Powered by electricity,

not fire

Task:

Examine the hot plate. Explain how the water in the beaker would get hot by using the hot plate. DO NOT turn the hot plate on.

Thermometer

Hot or Cold Function:• Measures temperature• Measurements reported

in degrees Celsius

Task:

Read the thermometer. What is the temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit? Ask you partner if they agree with your readings.

SAFETY for YOU and the Equipment!

Broken Equipment Costs