Scientific
Lab
Equipment
Triple Beam Balance
• To measure mass (weight) of
substances or objects accurately
graduated cylinder (graduate)
• To measure
volume of
liquids
accurately
SI Ruler
(“Metric” is slang.)
• To measure the
lengths of solid
objects accurately
oC
SI thermometer
• To measure temperature accurately
magnifying glass
(hand lens)
• To make objects
appear larger than they
are
Bunsen burner
• To heat substances
(with a flame)
hot plate
• To heat substances using electricity,
not a flame.
ring stand
with clamp and ring
• To hold containers
away from a heat
source (such as fire)
during an experiment
test tube
• To hold liquids and
chemicals during
experiments
(investigations)
test tube
holder
• To hold test
tubes over
heat or away
from your
body
medicine dropper
(eyedropper)
• To drop small amount of
liquids
forceps
• To pick up small items that you
should not touch
microscope
• To view specimens
that are too small to
see with the naked
eye
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slide
• To hold a specimen (sample) for
viewing through a microscope
cover slip
• To cover a specimen (or sample) on
a slide
Erlenmeyer flask
• To hold liquids
• NOT used to measure
accurately
Florence flask
• Used to hold liquids
• NOT used to measure
accurately
beaker
• To hold, pour, or
estimate liquids
• NOT used to measure
substances accurately
Funnel
To pour liquids from
one container to
another without
spilling anything
stirring rod
• To mix chemicals
and hot liquids
together (like a
spoon)
tongs
• To pick up large objects that you
should not touch (e.g., hot
containers, flasks of acids, etc.)
safety goggles
• To protect eyes
against burns or cuts
litmus paper
• To determine whether a liquid is an
acid or a base
Petri dish
• To grow bacteria
and other tiny
living things
test tube brush
• To clean the insides of test tubes
after investigations
test tube rack
• To hold test tubes
during an investigation.
(After cleaning, test
tubes can be placed
upside down to dry.)
Now that you’ve learned the
names and uses of these pieces
of lab equipment, you are
almost ready to work in the
laboratory!