Scientific Laboratory Equipment – Lesson Summary

This is a lesson summary. The full lesson can be viewed by purchasing an online course subscription.

Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn about the main glassware items and other pieces of equipment used in a school science laboratory.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Identify common scientific laboratory equipment.
  • Give examples of common uses of different scientific laboratory equipment.
  • Describe how to use scientific laboratory equipment in a safe manner.

 
scientific laboratory equipment lesson contents

(Image: kwanchaift, Adobe Stock)

Lesson Topics

1 | Introduction to Laboratory Equipment

2 | Types of Glassware

3 | Other Laboratory Equipment

4 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • Common items of glassware you will encounter in a school science laboratory include: beakers, conical flasks, measuring cylinders, test tubes, glass funnels, glass rods and watch glasses.
  • Other pieces of equipment you will use include: Bunsen burners, tripods, wire gauzes, retort stands, bossheads, clamps, evaporating dishes, crucibles, pipeclay triangles, test tube holders, metal tongs, transfer pipettes and heat mats.
  • All of these pieces of laboratory equipment have specific uses and need to be used in the appropriate manner.
  • Incorrect handling and usage may result in breakage and personal injury.
  • Special care needs to be taken when handling equipment that has been heated by a Bunsen burner.

 
test tube bunsen burner

Don’t ever do this!

(Image: Ranveig, Wikimedia Commons)

(Header image: Romolo Tavani, Adobe Stock)