biology experiment materials

List of Biology Laboratory Apparatus and Their Uses

Biology is a diverse field of science. Every day new discoveries at different levels help the scientists generate new knowledge about the existing living world. For this purpose, the scientists perform a number of experiments every day at the laboratory. To facilitate these tasks and experiments, the biologists, biology students, and scientists make use of a number of laboratory equipment and instruments. These instruments help in the proper implementation and observation of the experiments without compromising the security and safety of the people.

Biology Laboratory Apparatus

Some of the major laboratory apparatus used at a biology laboratory include the following:

1. Microscope

A microscope is one of the most common apparatus used in biology laboratories. It is mainly used to magnify small objects. To observe a specimen at the cellular level, a sample is taken and studied at the micro-level with the help of a microscope. It also helps to observe the shape and structure of a cell, distinguish various parts of a cell from each other, identify their particular functions, and determine the prime characteristics of microorganisms. A microscope is helpful to study almost all types of pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. This enables scientists and microbiologists to learn about nature and find a cure for a particular disease.

Beaker is a cylindrical container that has a small spout and a flat base. The small spout helps to pour solutions with minimum spillage. Beakers come in a variety of shapes. Mostly, beakers are used to contain and store solutions. They are also used in combination with a burette to perform the titration process. Some of the beakers also contain a graduated scale attached to its exterior that helps to note the quantity of solution.

3. Crucible

Crucible is a small container made up of ceramic or metal. A crucible is able to withstand high temperatures, and therefore, it is generally used to melt elements. One of the most common applications of crucibles lies in gravimetric chemical analysis.

4. Test Tubes

A test tube is a glass or plastic container that has a hemispherical base. The shape of a test tube is analogous to the shape of a human finger. The main purpose of a test tube is to hold, mix, and heat chemical substances and solutions. A test tube is also known as a sample tube or a culture tube.

5. Magnifying Glass

The magnifying glass is yet another most commonly used laboratory equipment. It consists of a convex lens fixed within a circular metallic loop and is attached to a metallic or wooden handle. The main purpose of a magnifying glass is that it provides an enlarged image of the object placed beneath it. A magnifying glass is preferred when it is required to study fine details of a substance. A magnifying glass is also able to focus the radiations falling on its surface to a single point. All the rays are concentrated on a point, thereby producing a hot spot, which can be further used to initiate fire.

6. Bunsen Burner

Bunsen burner is one of the most important laboratory instruments. It is named after German chemist Robert Wilhelm Eberhard Bunsen. It is a gas burner that produces a single open gas flame. A number of chemical reactions take place in the presence of fire. Bunsen burner acts as a source of heat to perform such experiments and reactions. It is also used to perform physical phenomena such as heating, boiling, melting, sterilization, and combustion. Gases such as liquified petroleum gas, propane, butane, natural gas, etc., can be used as fuel to the bunsen burner.

The flasks used in laboratories are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can have a curved, conical, or flat structure with a flat base attached to a cylindrical top. Flasks are generally made up of glass or plastic and are used to store the solutions. Other uses of a flask include mixing of fluids, titration, etc. A flask may also be attached with a graduated scale to keep a record of the amount of solution poured into it.

8. Filter Paper

Filter papers are usually made up of cotton fibres. The key component used in the manufacturing of filter paper is cellulose. The main purpose of filter paper is to separate fine particles of substances from liquids or gases. The pores of the filter paper are fine enough to allow the liquid and gas molecules to pass through it easily but act as a barrier to solid particles, thereby blocking and capturing them.

A dropper consists of a glass tube that has a small opening at one end and is attached to a vacuum rubber bulb at the other end. A dropper is used when it is required to control the amount of solution being added to a reaction. To fill the dropper with a solution, the vacuum bulb is pressed and the open tip of the dropper is dipped into the container that contains the solution. The dropper must be properly immersed into the solution. When the vacuum bulb is released, the solution gets sucked into the glass tube. On pressing the bulb, the solution can be poured drop by drop. A dropper is also used as a medicine dropper.

10. Thermometer

The thermometer is one of the most crucial laboratory equipment. These are the sensing devices that are used to determine the current temperature of an object. Different types of thermometers used in laboratories include mechanical, differential, and logging thermometers. Laboratory thermometers have a high level of precision as compared to clinical or general thermometers. A clinical thermometer cannot be used for industrial or laboratory purposes as it will cause a significant loss in the accuracy of the observed results. They are also used for monitoring the progress of an experiment, performing instrument calibration, in materials testing, and maintaining a sterile work environment.

11. Weighing Machine

A weighing balance is used to determine the mass or weight of certain objects. Most of the weighing instruments used in laboratories are electronically powered. These machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The weighing machines used in laboratories are compact and portable. The weighing capacity of such machines can be selected according to need.

12. Crucible Tongs

Lifting or picking up hot objects directly with hands is difficult, risky, and may cause severe injuries, which is why tongs are used to grip and lift such objects. Tongs are metallic scissors-shaped laboratory instruments. The only difference is that the blades of tongs are blunt and curved, while the blades of scissors have a sharp edge and are straight. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to pick different objects such as heated crucibles, beakers, dishes, or flasks.

The main task of a brush is to clean objects. Laboratory brushes are specifically designed to clean instruments that have a narrow opening such as test tubes, flasks, etc.

14. Spatula 

A spatula is a laboratory utensil mainly used for mixing substances into a solution, stirring the solution, and scrapping objects. It is shaped like a spoon and is generally made up of carbon steel, stainless steel, porcelain, etc. It also consists of an insulator handle that allows the user to have a firm grip and avoid injuries.

15. Spring Balance

A spring balance is yet another measuring instrument used in most laboratories. It consists of a hook and a graduated scale. The inner mechanical arrangement and working of a spring balance are typically based on the spring action of metals. When the load is attached to the hook of the spring balance, the hook connected to the spring gets displaced from its original position and moves linearly in a downward direction due to the gravitational pull of the earth. The graduated scale then displays the weight of the object.

16. Wash Bottles

Wash bottles are bottles attached with a nozzle typically made up of LDPE material. These bottles are mainly used to rinse various laboratory glassware. The material used for the manufacturing of laboratory wash bottles is flexible in nature that allows the user to adjust the water pressure as per the need by squeezing the bottle accordingly.

17. Burette

A burette is one of the most common laboratory equipment used in chemistry and biology laboratories to perform a titration. A burette is a long glass tube that consists of a graduated scale attached to its curved body, a nozzle at one end to dispense solution, an open-end to pour the solution, and a tap or a valve attached to the base that is used to control the flow of the solution. The main purpose of a burette is to dispense the liquid in a controlled manner.

18. Pipette

A pipette is a glass tube commonly used to transport a measured amount of liquid to a container. A pipette is designed in such a way that it is broad in the middle and consists of narrow ends. A mark present at the top portion of the pipette indicates the amount of liquid contained by it. A pipette is available in a number of sizes; therefore, different pipettes are used to transfer different volumes of liquid.

The main purpose of a funnel is to channel or direct the flow of liquid in a particular direction. In the absence of a funnel, there may be chances of spilling the solution in the surroundings. The structure of a funnel resembles a cone attached to a cylinder. The materials generally used to construct a funnel include glass, porcelain, plastic, etc. A funnel is also used to separate two immiscible solutions of different densities.

20. Watch Glass

A watch glass is a circular piece of concave glass that is used to evaporate a liquid, hold a specimen to be studied or weighed, cover a beaker, heat a small amount of substance, etc.

21. Litmus Paper

Litmus paper is a special type of paper made up of wood cellulose infused with litmus, which is a water-soluble mixture of different dyes extracted from lichens. Litmus papers used in laboratories are typically cut in the shape of strips and are used as a pH indicator. The main function of a litmus paper is to determine that whether the given solution is acidic or basic.

22. Safety Apparatus Kit

Safety apparatus kit is the most common apparatus found in almost all types of laboratories. Various safety equipment present in a safety apparatus kit includes safety goggles, gloves, lab coats, etc. They protect the scientists working in the laboratory from severe injuries and helps to prevent mishaps and accidents.

23. Dissecting Tool Kit

A dissecting toolkit is one of the most important apparatus used in biology laboratories. It is used to dissect animals such as frogs, fetal pigs, mice, etc. It consists of all the necessary tools required to carry out the process of dissection such as a catheter, groove probe, scalpel, surgical scissors (straight and curved), mayo scissors (straight and curved), dissecting forceps (with and without teeth), dissecting pin, etc.

24. Hot Plate

A hot plate is a device that consists of a flat plate attached to an electronic heating mechanism. The main aim of a hot plate is to evenly heat a substance or sample placed on the top of it. The advantage of using a hot plate in place of a bunsen burner is that a hot plate does not make use of flammable fuel, thereby minimizing the chances of accidents. Also, the temperature of a bunsen burner cannot be determined easily, but the temperature of a hot plate gets recorded and displayed in digital format on the indicator attached to the device and can be controlled easily.

25. Forceps

Forceps are the tweezers, typically made up of metals, which are used to hold or pick up small objects. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. It consists of two tapered strips of metals attached to each other at one end. The angle between the two strips is maintained in such a way that when a force is applied to the middle portion of forceps, it gets squeezed and grips the object present in the middle of the open edges. The edges of the forceps can either be pointed or flat.

26. Evaporating Dish

An evaporating dish is one of the prime apparatuses used at a laboratory. It is a small and shallow utensil that has a pinched lip to pour the liquids properly. The materials used to manufacture an evaporating dish generally include porcelain, ceramic, glass, or silicon. It is mainly used for small scale separation of solute from solution through the physical process of crystallization. For this purpose, the solution is poured into the evaporating dish, the solvent gets evaporated, thereby concentrating the solution.

27. Measuring Cylinders

A measuring cylinder is a common laboratory instrument that is used to measure the amount of solution poured into it. As the name suggests, a measuring cylinder is a hollow glass cylinder with a flat base and a graduated scale attached to its curved boundary.

28. Dissecting Pans

Dissecting pans or trays are one of the most essential equipment required at a biology laboratory. While analysing the internal structure of an organism or a specimen, a dissecting pan is used to hold the sample and allows the scientist study the characteristics of the sample with clarity. Dissecting trays are typically made up of aluminium and consist of a layer of paraffin wax. They also include odour absorbent pads to lock the foul smell.

29. Coverslips

Coverslips are the small square or circle shaped thin glass sheets that are used to cover the specimens that are under observation. It is also used to protect the microscope and prevent the slide from drying by locking the moisture. The placement of coverslips on the sample should be done with utmost care in such a way that air bubbles do not get trapped under the glass sheet. To properly cover the specimen with a coverslip, a few drops of water are poured on the sample to prevent it from drying and sticking to the base of the glass sheet. The edge of the coverslip is then placed on the sample and is gently lowered with the help of a pointed tool.

30. Inoculating Loops

Inoculating loops are made up of platinum or nichrome wire. The tip of such a wire is shaped like a small loop that is about 5 mm in diameter. The main purpose of the inoculating loops is to pick up, separate, and transfer small pieces of a sample from a culture of microorganisms. An inoculating loop is also known as a smear loop, inoculation wand, or microstreaker. They are available in both disposable or reusable forms.

31. Petri Dishes

A petri dish is a shallow, transparent, cylinder-shaped lidded dish. A petri dish is mainly used to culture different types of cells including bacteria, fungi, moulds, etc. It is mainly made up of glass or plastic and consists of a thin layer of agar that provides a nutritional medium in which the cells can grow.

32. Centrifuge Machine

A centrifuge machine is a laboratory device that is mainly used to separate fluids (gases and liquids) on the basis of their density. A centrifuge machine mainly works on the basis of spinning. It consists of a vessel that spins at a high speed. The material poured into the spinning vessel experiences a significant amount of centrifugal force that pushes heavy substances to the outer side, leaving the light particles in the middle of the vessel. The heavy and light substances, therefore, get separated.

33. Scoopula

Scoopula, used in most biology laboratories, is quite similar to that of a spatula. These are the long metallic strips that have a curved structure. Scoopulas are mainly used to scoop and transfer solids to a weigh paper, a watch glass, a graduated cylinder, a flask, or a coverslip.

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Top 30 Biology Experiments for High-School

The field of biology offers a wide range of fascinating experiments that can deepen our understanding of the living world around us. From studying the behavior of cells to investigating the intricacies of ecosystems, biologists use a variety of methods to uncover the secrets of life.

We’ve compiled a captivating list of 30 biology experiments that are both educational and fun and also suitable for a wide range of ages.

These hands-on educational activities will not only deepen your appreciation for the intricacies of life but also fuel your curiosity and passion for scientific exploration.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your lab equipment, and prepare to embark on an exciting adventure through the fascinating world of biology-based science experiments!

1. Grow a Butterfly

Students can gain knowledge about the various phases of development, from the egg to the larva to the pupa to the adult butterfly, by studying and taking care of a butterfly during its whole life cycle. This offers students a special chance to learn about the insect life cycle and the metamorphosis process.

Learn more: Elemental Science

2. Dissecting a Flower

Dissecting a flower can aid students in honing their analytical and observational skills. This may also aid in their comprehension of how a flower’s various components interact to facilitate reproduction, which is the flower’s main objective.

Learn More: How to Dissect a Flower

3. Extracting a DNA

The extraction of DNA is an excellent experiment for high school students to gain a better understanding of the principles of molecular biology and genetics. This experiment  helps students to understand the importance of DNA in research and its applications in various fields, such as medicine, biotechnology, and forensics.

Learn more: Extracting DNA

4. Looking at Fingerprints

Exploring fingerprints can be a fun and intriguing experiment. This experiment encourages students to develop their problem-solving skills and attention to detail, as they must carefully analyze and compare the various fingerprint patterns.

Fingerprint analysis is a fascinating and engaging experiment that can spark an interest in forensic science and provide students with a hands-on learning experience.

Learn more: Directions to Examine a Fingerprint

5. Cultivate Bacteria on Home Made Agar

This experiment provides a hands-on learning experience for students to understand the principles of microbiology and the techniques used in bacterial culture.

This experiment can also help students to understand the importance of bacteria in our daily lives, their role in human health, and their applications in various fields, such as biotechnology and environmental science.  

Learn more: Grow bacteria on Homemade Agar Plates

6. Make a Bioluminescent Lamp

This experiment provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to learn about bioluminescence and the principles of genetic engineering.

Creating a bioluminescent lamp is a fun and engaging way to explore the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics, making it a perfect experiment for students interested in science and technology.

Learn more: Make Glowing Water

7. Make Plants Move with Light

This experiment can help students understand the role of light in plant growth and photosynthesis and the importance of light as an environmental factor for plant survival. 

Learn more: Experiments with Phototropism

8. Test the Five-Second Rule

The “5-second rule” experiment is a simple and fun way to investigate the validity of the popular belief that it is safe to eat food that has been dropped on the ground for less than 5 seconds.

The experiment is an engaging and informative way to explore the science behind a common belief and promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry among students.

Learn more: Five Second Rule

9. Examine How Antibiotics Affect Bacteria

This experiment is an excellent opportunity for high school students to develop their laboratory skills, such as aseptic technique and bacterial culture, and understand the principles of antibiotic resistance and its implications for human health.

Examining how antibiotics affect bacteria is a fascinating and educational experiment that promotes scientific inquiry and critical thinking among students.

Learn more: Learn About Bacteria

10. Look for Cell Mitosis in an Onion

This experiment is an excellent opportunity for high school students to develop their microscopy skills and understand the biological basis of growth and development in plants. This experiment is a fun and informative way to explore the world of cells and their role in the growth and development of living organisms.

Learn more: Onion Root Mitosis

11. Test the Effects of Disinfectants

Testing the effects of disinfectants is an important process in determining their efficacy in killing or reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface or object. Disinfectants can be hazardous if not used correctly, and testing their effects can help students understand how to use them safely.

Students can learn about proper handling techniques and how to interpret safety labels and warning signs.

Learn more: Antiseptic and Disinfectants

12. Microwave Seed Gardening

Microwave seed gardening is a quick and efficient method of germinating seeds, microwave seed gardening can be a useful method for starting seeds, but it should be used with care and in conjunction with other germination methods to ensure the best possible results. 

Learn more: Microwave plant

13. Water Bottle Bacteria Swab

This experiment can be a fun and informative way to learn about the importance of keeping water bottles clean and free from harmful bacteria. It can also be used to compare the cleanliness of different types of water bottles, such as metal, plastic, or glass.

Learn more: Swabbing Water Bottles

14. Frog Dissection

Frog dissection can be a valuable tool for teaching anatomy and physiology to high school students, as it provides a comprehensive examination of the internal organs and systems of the frog.

Dissection can be a valuable and engaging experiment for high school students interested in biology and life science.

Learn more: Frog Dissection

15. Witness the Carbon Cycle in Action

By witnessing the carbon cycle in action, learners can gain a better understanding of the interconnectedness of different parts of the Earth’s system and the impact that human activities can have on these processes.

Learn more: Carbon Cycle Lab

16. Investigate the Efficacy of Types of Fertilizer

Investigating the efficacy of different types of fertilizer can be an interesting and informative way to learn about plant growth and nutrition. Investigating the efficacy of different types of fertilizer is a practical and engaging way to learn about plant nutrition and the role of fertilizers in agriculture.

Learn more: Best Fertilizer

17. Explore the Impact of Genetic Modification on Seeds

Exploring the impact of genetic modification on seeds is a fascinating and relevant topic that can spark meaningful discussions and encourage learners to think critically about the role of science and technology in society.

Learn more: Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

18. Yeast Experiment

Another easy to perform experiment for high school students is the yeast. This experiment is simple since all that is required is the removal of four different food samples onto separate plates and a thorough examination of the mold that develops on each sample over time.

Learn more: Grow Yeast Experiment

19. Taste Perception 

The human tongue has specialized taste receptors that respond to five primary tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory). Taste perception plays an important role in determining food preferences and dietary habits, as well as influencing the overall eating experience.

Learn more: Taste perception

20. Pea Plant Genetics

A classic pea plant genetics experiment involves cross breeding pea plants with different traits, such as flower color, seed shape, or pod shape.

This experiment can be conducted in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, by manually transferring pollen from one plant to another.

Learn more: Gregor Mendel Pea Experiment

21. Comparing Animal and Plant Cells

Comparing animal and plant cells is an important exercise in biology education. Both animal and plant cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

This exercise can help students understand the structure and function of cells, as well as appreciate the diversity of life on Earth.

Learn more: Comparing Plant Cell and Animal Cell

22.  Testing Bacteria 

Bacteria are easily accessible and can be grown in a laboratory or even at home with simple equipment and materials. This makes it a practical and cost-effective experiment for schools with limited resources.

Learn more: How to grow Bacteria and more

23. The Effect of Light on Growth

Light is a fundamental environmental factor that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. By conducting this experiment, students can gain a deeper understanding of how light affects plant growth and why it is important.

Learn more: The effect of light in Plant Growth

24. Planaria Regeneration

Planaria regeneration allows students to design their own experiments, as they can choose which body parts to remove and study the effects of different variables, such as temperature, pH, or chemical treatments on the regeneration process.

Planaria are easy to obtain and maintain in a laboratory or classroom setting. They are also affordable, making it an ideal experiment for schools with limited resources.

Learn more: Planaria Experiment

25. Making a Seed Board

Making a seed board can be a fun and engaging activity for students, as they can see the progress of their plants over time and share their results with others. It can also foster a sense of responsibility and ownership in caring for their plants.

26. Design an Owl Pellet

Dissecting an owl pellet provides a hands-on learning experience for students, allowing them to practice skills in scientific observation, data collection, and analysis. Students can also learn about the anatomy of the prey species found in the owl pellet.

27. Grow an Herbal Cutting

Growing an herb cutting provides a hands-on learning experience for students, allowing them to practice skills in plant care, experimental design, and data collection. Students can learn about the different stages of plant growth and the factors that affect it.

28. Eat a Cell Model

Creating an edible cell model connects to various disciplines, such as biology, anatomy, and nutrition. Students can learn about the different organelles that make up a cell and their functions, as well as the nutritional value of the food materials used in the model

29. Make a Habitat Diorama

Making a habitat diorama provides a hands-on learning experience for students, allowing them to practice skills in research, creative design, and presentation. Students can learn about different ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

30. Create a Fall Leaf (or Signs of Spring) Journal

Creating a fall leaf (or signs of spring) journal provides a hands-on learning experience for students, allowing them to practice skills in observation, data collection, and analysis. Students can learn about the changes that occur in nature during the fall or spring season.

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Give students a solid chemistry foundation with the hands-on experiments in this complete lab kit! This set has 40+ real science tools and chemicals, 27 engaging experiments, a 46-page manual & safety equipment.

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72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn’t have to be complicated.

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to get your students excited, it’s a good science experiment! While some experiments require expensive lab equipment or dangerous chemicals, there are plenty of cool projects you can do with regular household items. We’ve rounded up a big collection of easy science experiments that anybody can try, and kids are going to love them!

Easy Chemistry Science Experiments

Easy physics science experiments, easy biology and environmental science experiments, easy engineering experiments and stem challenges.

1. Taste the Rainbow

Teach your students about diffusion while creating a beautiful and tasty rainbow! Tip: Have extra Skittles on hand so your class can eat a few!

Learn more: Skittles Diffusion

2. Crystallize sweet treats

Crystal science experiments teach kids about supersaturated solutions. This one is easy to do at home, and the results are absolutely delicious!

Learn more: Candy Crystals

3. Make a volcano erupt

This classic experiment demonstrates a chemical reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid), which produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate.

Learn more: Best Volcano Experiments

4. Make elephant toothpaste

This fun project uses yeast and a hydrogen peroxide solution to create overflowing “elephant toothpaste.” Tip: Add an extra fun layer by having kids create toothpaste wrappers for plastic bottles.

5. Blow the biggest bubbles you can

Add a few simple ingredients to dish soap solution to create the largest bubbles you’ve ever seen! Kids learn about surface tension as they engineer these bubble-blowing wands.

Learn more: Giant Soap Bubbles

6. Demonstrate the “magic” leakproof bag

All you need is a zip-top plastic bag, sharp pencils, and water to blow your kids’ minds. Once they’re suitably impressed, teach them how the “trick” works by explaining the chemistry of polymers.

Learn more: Leakproof Bag

7. Use apple slices to learn about oxidation

Have students make predictions about what will happen to apple slices when immersed in different liquids, then put those predictions to the test. Have them record their observations.

Learn more: Apple Oxidation

8. Float a marker man

Their eyes will pop out of their heads when you “levitate” a stick figure right off the table! This experiment works due to the insolubility of dry-erase marker ink in water, combined with the lighter density of the ink.

Learn more: Floating Marker Man

9. Discover density with hot and cold water

There are a lot of easy science experiments you can do with density. This one is extremely simple, involving only hot and cold water and food coloring, but the visuals make it appealing and fun.

Learn more: Layered Water

10. Layer more liquids

This density demo is a little more complicated, but the effects are spectacular. Slowly layer liquids like honey, dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol in a glass. Kids will be amazed when the liquids float one on top of the other like magic (except it is really science).

Learn more: Layered Liquids

11. Grow a carbon sugar snake

Easy science experiments can still have impressive results! This eye-popping chemical reaction demonstration only requires simple supplies like sugar, baking soda, and sand.

Learn more: Carbon Sugar Snake

12. Mix up some slime

Tell kids you’re going to make slime at home, and watch their eyes light up! There are a variety of ways to make slime, so try a few different recipes to find the one you like best.

13. Make homemade bouncy balls

These homemade bouncy balls are easy to make since all you need is glue, food coloring, borax powder, cornstarch, and warm water. You’ll want to store them inside a container like a plastic egg because they will flatten out over time.

Learn more: Make Your Own Bouncy Balls

14. Create eggshell chalk

Eggshells contain calcium, the same material that makes chalk. Grind them up and mix them with flour, water, and food coloring to make your very own sidewalk chalk.

Learn more: Eggshell Chalk

15. Make naked eggs

This is so cool! Use vinegar to dissolve the calcium carbonate in an eggshell to discover the membrane underneath that holds the egg together. Then, use the “naked” egg for another easy science experiment that demonstrates osmosis .

Learn more: Naked Egg Experiment

16. Turn milk into plastic

This sounds a lot more complicated than it is, but don’t be afraid to give it a try. Use simple kitchen supplies to create plastic polymers from plain old milk. Sculpt them into cool shapes when you’re done!

17. Test pH using cabbage

Teach kids about acids and bases without needing pH test strips! Simply boil some red cabbage and use the resulting water to test various substances—acids turn red and bases turn green.

Learn more: Cabbage pH

18. Clean some old coins

Use common household items to make old oxidized coins clean and shiny again in this simple chemistry experiment. Ask kids to predict (hypothesize) which will work best, then expand the learning by doing some research to explain the results.

Learn more: Cleaning Coins

19. Pull an egg into a bottle

This classic easy science experiment never fails to delight. Use the power of air pressure to suck a hard-boiled egg into a jar, no hands required.

Learn more: Egg in a Bottle

20. Blow up a balloon (without blowing)

Chances are good you probably did easy science experiments like this when you were in school. The baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment demonstrates the reactions between acids and bases when you fill a bottle with vinegar and a balloon with baking soda.

21 Assemble a DIY lava lamp

This 1970s trend is back—as an easy science experiment! This activity combines acid-base reactions with density for a totally groovy result.

22. Explore how sugary drinks affect teeth

The calcium content of eggshells makes them a great stand-in for teeth. Use eggs to explore how soda and juice can stain teeth and wear down the enamel. Expand your learning by trying different toothpaste-and-toothbrush combinations to see how effective they are.

Learn more: Sugar and Teeth Experiment

23. Mummify a hot dog

If your kids are fascinated by the Egyptians, they’ll love learning to mummify a hot dog! No need for canopic jars , just grab some baking soda and get started.

24. Extinguish flames with carbon dioxide

This is a fiery twist on acid-base experiments. Light a candle and talk about what fire needs in order to survive. Then, create an acid-base reaction and “pour” the carbon dioxide to extinguish the flame. The CO2 gas acts like a liquid, suffocating the fire.

25. Send secret messages with invisible ink

Turn your kids into secret agents! Write messages with a paintbrush dipped in lemon juice, then hold the paper over a heat source and watch the invisible become visible as oxidation goes to work.

Learn more: Invisible Ink

26. Create dancing popcorn

This is a fun version of the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment, perfect for the younger crowd. The bubbly mixture causes popcorn to dance around in the water.

27. Shoot a soda geyser sky-high

You’ve always wondered if this really works, so it’s time to find out for yourself! Kids will marvel at the chemical reaction that sends diet soda shooting high in the air when Mentos are added.

Learn more: Soda Explosion

28. Send a teabag flying

Hot air rises, and this experiment can prove it! You’ll want to supervise kids with fire, of course. For more safety, try this one outside.

Learn more: Flying Tea Bags

29. Create magic milk

This fun and easy science experiment demonstrates principles related to surface tension, molecular interactions, and fluid dynamics.

Learn more: Magic Milk Experiment

30. Watch the water rise

Learn about Charles’s Law with this simple experiment. As the candle burns, using up oxygen and heating the air in the glass, the water rises as if by magic.

Learn more: Rising Water

31. Learn about capillary action

Kids will be amazed as they watch the colored water move from glass to glass, and you’ll love the easy and inexpensive setup. Gather some water, paper towels, and food coloring to teach the scientific magic of capillary action.

Learn more: Capillary Action

32. Give a balloon a beard

Equally educational and fun, this experiment will teach kids about static electricity using everyday materials. Kids will undoubtedly get a kick out of creating beards on their balloon person!

Learn more: Static Electricity

33. Find your way with a DIY compass

Here’s an old classic that never fails to impress. Magnetize a needle, float it on the water’s surface, and it will always point north.

Learn more: DIY Compass

34. Crush a can using air pressure

Sure, it’s easy to crush a soda can with your bare hands, but what if you could do it without touching it at all? That’s the power of air pressure!

35. Tell time using the sun

While people use clocks or even phones to tell time today, there was a time when a sundial was the best means to do that. Kids will certainly get a kick out of creating their own sundials using everyday materials like cardboard and pencils.

Learn more: Make Your Own Sundial

36. Launch a balloon rocket

Grab balloons, string, straws, and tape, and launch rockets to learn about the laws of motion.

37. Make sparks with steel wool

All you need is steel wool and a 9-volt battery to perform this science demo that’s bound to make their eyes light up! Kids learn about chain reactions, chemical changes, and more.

Learn more: Steel Wool Electricity

38. Levitate a Ping-Pong ball

Kids will get a kick out of this experiment, which is really all about Bernoulli’s principle. You only need plastic bottles, bendy straws, and Ping-Pong balls to make the science magic happen.

39. Whip up a tornado in a bottle

There are plenty of versions of this classic experiment out there, but we love this one because it sparkles! Kids learn about a vortex and what it takes to create one.

Learn more: Tornado in a Bottle

40. Monitor air pressure with a DIY barometer

This simple but effective DIY science project teaches kids about air pressure and meteorology. They’ll have fun tracking and predicting the weather with their very own barometer.

Learn more: DIY Barometer

41. Peer through an ice magnifying glass

Students will certainly get a thrill out of seeing how an everyday object like a piece of ice can be used as a magnifying glass. Be sure to use purified or distilled water since tap water will have impurities in it that will cause distortion.

Learn more: Ice Magnifying Glass

42. String up some sticky ice

Can you lift an ice cube using just a piece of string? This quick experiment teaches you how. Use a little salt to melt the ice and then refreeze the ice with the string attached.

Learn more: Sticky Ice

43. “Flip” a drawing with water

Light refraction causes some really cool effects, and there are multiple easy science experiments you can do with it. This one uses refraction to “flip” a drawing; you can also try the famous “disappearing penny” trick .

Learn more: Light Refraction With Water

44. Color some flowers

We love how simple this project is to re-create since all you’ll need are some white carnations, food coloring, glasses, and water. The end result is just so beautiful!

45. Use glitter to fight germs

Everyone knows that glitter is just like germs—it gets everywhere and is so hard to get rid of! Use that to your advantage and show kids how soap fights glitter and germs.

Learn more: Glitter Germs

46. Re-create the water cycle in a bag

You can do so many easy science experiments with a simple zip-top bag. Fill one partway with water and set it on a sunny windowsill to see how the water evaporates up and eventually “rains” down.

Learn more: Water Cycle

47. Learn about plant transpiration

Your backyard is a terrific place for easy science experiments. Grab a plastic bag and rubber band to learn how plants get rid of excess water they don’t need, a process known as transpiration.

Learn more: Plant Transpiration

48. Clean up an oil spill

Before conducting this experiment, teach your students about engineers who solve environmental problems like oil spills. Then, have your students use provided materials to clean the oil spill from their oceans.

Learn more: Oil Spill

49. Construct a pair of model lungs

Kids get a better understanding of the respiratory system when they build model lungs using a plastic water bottle and some balloons. You can modify the experiment to demonstrate the effects of smoking too.

Learn more: Model Lungs

50. Experiment with limestone rocks

Kids  love to collect rocks, and there are plenty of easy science experiments you can do with them. In this one, pour vinegar over a rock to see if it bubbles. If it does, you’ve found limestone!

Learn more: Limestone Experiments

51. Turn a bottle into a rain gauge

All you need is a plastic bottle, a ruler, and a permanent marker to make your own rain gauge. Monitor your measurements and see how they stack up against meteorology reports in your area.

Learn more: DIY Rain Gauge

52. Build up towel mountains

This clever demonstration helps kids understand how some landforms are created. Use layers of towels to represent rock layers and boxes for continents. Then pu-u-u-sh and see what happens!

Learn more: Towel Mountains

53. Take a play dough core sample

Learn about the layers of the earth by building them out of Play-Doh, then take a core sample with a straw. ( Love Play-Doh? Get more learning ideas here. )

Learn more: Play Dough Core Sampling

54. Project the stars on your ceiling

Use the video lesson in the link below to learn why stars are only visible at night. Then create a DIY star projector to explore the concept hands-on.

Learn more: DIY Star Projector

55. Make it rain

Use shaving cream and food coloring to simulate clouds and rain. This is an easy science experiment little ones will beg to do over and over.

Learn more: Shaving Cream Rain

56. Blow up your fingerprint

This is such a cool (and easy!) way to look at fingerprint patterns. Inflate a balloon a bit, use some ink to put a fingerprint on it, then blow it up big to see your fingerprint in detail.

57. Snack on a DNA model

Twizzlers, gumdrops, and a few toothpicks are all you need to make this super-fun (and yummy!) DNA model.

Learn more: Edible DNA Model

58. Dissect a flower

Take a nature walk and find a flower or two. Then bring them home and take them apart to discover all the different parts of flowers.

59. Craft smartphone speakers

No Bluetooth speaker? No problem! Put together your own from paper cups and toilet paper tubes.

Learn more: Smartphone Speakers

60. Race a balloon-powered car

Kids will be amazed when they learn they can put together this awesome racer using cardboard and bottle-cap wheels. The balloon-powered “engine” is so much fun too.

Learn more: Balloon-Powered Car

61. Build a Ferris wheel

You’ve probably ridden on a Ferris wheel, but can you build one? Stock up on wood craft sticks and find out! Play around with different designs to see which one works best.

Learn more: Craft Stick Ferris Wheel

62. Design a phone stand

There are lots of ways to craft a DIY phone stand, which makes this a perfect creative-thinking STEM challenge.

63. Conduct an egg drop

Put all their engineering skills to the test with an egg drop! Challenge kids to build a container from stuff they find around the house that will protect an egg from a long fall (this is especially fun to do from upper-story windows).

Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas

64. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster

STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws.

Learn more: Straw Roller Coaster

65. Build a solar oven

Explore the power of the sun when you build your own solar ovens and use them to cook some yummy treats. This experiment takes a little more time and effort, but the results are always impressive. The link below has complete instructions.

Learn more: Solar Oven

66. Build a Da Vinci bridge

There are plenty of bridge-building experiments out there, but this one is unique. It’s inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s 500-year-old self-supporting wooden bridge. Learn how to build it at the link, and expand your learning by exploring more about Da Vinci himself.

Learn more: Da Vinci Bridge

67. Step through an index card

This is one easy science experiment that never fails to astonish. With carefully placed scissor cuts on an index card, you can make a loop large enough to fit a (small) human body through! Kids will be wowed as they learn about surface area.

68. Stand on a pile of paper cups

Combine physics and engineering and challenge kids to create a paper cup structure that can support their weight. This is a cool project for aspiring architects.

Learn more: Paper Cup Stack

69. Test out parachutes

Gather a variety of materials (try tissues, handkerchiefs, plastic bags, etc.) and see which ones make the best parachutes. You can also find out how they’re affected by windy days or find out which ones work in the rain.

Learn more: Parachute Drop

70. Recycle newspapers into an engineering challenge

It’s amazing how a stack of newspapers can spark such creative engineering. Challenge kids to build a tower, support a book, or even build a chair using only newspaper and tape!

Learn more: Newspaper STEM Challenge

71. Use rubber bands to sound out acoustics

Explore the ways that sound waves are affected by what’s around them using a simple rubber band “guitar.” (Kids absolutely love playing with these!)

Learn more: Rubber Band Guitar

72. Assemble a better umbrella

Challenge students to engineer the best possible umbrella from various household supplies. Encourage them to plan, draw blueprints, and test their creations using the scientific method.

Learn more: Umbrella STEM Challenge

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130 Laboratory Apparatus And Their Uses (With Pictures)

A laboratory is a special room or place that is equipped to facilitate scientific experiments, observations and for teaching science. Laboratory apparatus refers to the various tools, equipment, and instruments used in scientific research, experimentation, and analysis within a laboratory setting. These tools are essential for conducting experiments, measuring and analyzing data, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of scientific results.

Some of the laboratory apparatus are used as a source of heat, for safety, for making observations and for measurement of variables such as voltage, temperature, volume, time and mass.

There are apparatus that are used in general laboratory experiments while others serve specific in experiments. They are also made from materials that are resistant to chemical reactions and corrosion. Common materials include glass, stainless steel, and various types of plastics.

It is important to note that most of the apparatus that are used as containers or reaction vessels are made of transparent glass or plastic and may come in different sizes. Let us talk about Laboratory apparatus in three categories: Basic Apparatus, Safety Apparatus , General Apparatus and Specialized Apparatus

Here is a list of 130 laboratory apparatus / Equipment

General equipment/apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories:

• Alcohol burner
• Bunsen burner
• Burette clamp
• Buchner funnel
• Balance scale
• Conical or titration flask
• Crucible tong
• china dish (Evaporating Dish)
• Crucible with cover
• Clay Triangles
• Dry-cell battery
• Dissecting set
• Erlenmeyer flask
• Flat bottomed flask
• Filter paper
• Friability tester
• Glass funnel
• Glass tubing
• Litmus paper
• Measuring cylinders

Mortar and pestle

• Measuring flasks
• No of weights
• Petri dishes
• Rubber stopper
• Reagent bottle
• Rubber tubing
• Stirring rod
• Separatory funnel
• Stethoscope
• Speedometer
• Test tube rack
• Tripod stand
• Test tube holder
• Test tube stand
• Test tube brush
• Tuning fork

Thermometer

• Wash bottle
• Watch glass

Others Laboratory Apparatus or Equipment

• Analytical balance
• Atomic absorption spectrometer
• BOD incubator
• Chromatography column
• Cryogenic freezer
• Colorimeter
• Conductivity meter
• Dewar flask
• Distillation apparatus
• Electrophoresis chamber
• Flame photometer
• Gas chromatograph
• Geiger-Muller counter
• Inoculating loop
• Inverted microscope
• Kjeldahl apparatus
• Laboratory oven
• Laboratory refrigerator
• Laser spectrometer
• Magnetic stirrer
• Mass spectrometer

Microcentrifuge

• NMR spectrometer
• Orbital shaker
• Oscilloscope
• Particle counter
• PCR machine (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
• Peristaltic pump
• pH electrode
• Pipette filler
• Polarimeter
• Refractometer
• Rotary evaporator

Spectrophotometer

• Syringe filter

Ultracentrifuge

• UV-Vis spectrophotometer
• Vortex mixer
• X-ray diffraction machine
• YSI meter (for measuring dissolved oxygen)
• Gas syringe
• Melting point apparatus
• Infrared spectrometer
• Particle size analyzer
• Bacterial incubator
• Thermal cycler (PCR machine)
• Gas manifold
• Conductivity cell
• Reflux condenser
• Freeze dryer
• Inert gas chamber
• Ultrasonic cleaner
• Atomic force microscope (AFM)
• Gas generator
• Digital pH meter
• Atomic emission spectrometer
• Magnetic balance
• Tensiometer
• Ultraviolet lamp
• Inoculation needle
• Rotary shaker
• Autotitrator
• Freeze-thaw chamber
• Gel documentation system
• Pipette tips
• Rotary vane pump
• Vacuum desiccator
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system
• Inverted fluorescence microscope

Basic Laboratory Apparatus

Bunsen Burner

This is a piece of apparatus that is used as a safe source of heat in laboratories using a single gas flame. A Bunsen has an inlet that is usually connected to an external source of laboratory gas by rubber tubing. Its flame is used not only for heating, but for combustion and sterilizing objects too.

This is an apparatus that is used to give finer details of small objects that would otherwise not be seen by the naked eye or a hand lens. It does so by magnifying objects up to thousands times their original size. There exist two main variants of a microscope namely; a light microscope and an electron microscope

Weighing Balances

These are used to weigh the mass of substances in a laboratory. There are different types of weigh balances such as beam balance, spring balance, top pan balances and electronic balances.

Watches and clocks

These are apparatus for measuring time. Stop watches and stop clocks are the most commonly used for accurately measuring time during experiments.

When it comes to measuring the voltage between any two points, nothing does the job better than a voltmeter. It is normally connected in parallel with a device so as to measure its voltage.

Beakers serve a wide range of purposes. Calibrated beakers are used to measure approximate volumes of liquids, holding both liquids and solids and heating them when necessary. In addition to that, beakers may be used for stirring and mixing different substances in a laboratory.

Volumetric Flask

Volumetric flasks come in handy when fairly accurate and precise volumes of liquids are required. They can as well be used for dilution when preparing standard solutions.

This is an apparatus that is used for adding fairly accurate volumes of liquids up to nearly 0.01ml especially during titrations. It is fitted with an adjustable stopcock that regulates the amount of liquid that is released at a time.

A pipette (sometimes spelled pipet ) is a laboratory tool commonly used in chemistry, biology and medicine to transport a measured volume of liquid, often as a media dispenser. Pipettes come in several designs for various purposes with differing levels of accuracy and precision, from single piece glass pipettes to more complex adjustable or electronic pipettes.

A thermometer is used to measure the degree of hotness or coldness of a substance. They come in different types such as maximum and minimum thermometer, clinical thermometer and general purpose thermometers.

Flat-bottomed Flask

It is used for general laboratory experiments. A flat-bottomed flask can be used to collect, measure and hold liquids. They may as well be used for heating substances and mixing solutions in a laboratory.

Filter Funnel

Filter funnels are used for delivering different amounts of liquids carefully into holding apparatus. It can also be used together with a filter paper to separate finer solid substances from liquids. They vary in sizes and material from which they are built from depending on the purpose for which they are needed.

A desiccator is a sealable storage unit used for drying or keeping moisture sensitive substances free from moisture. There are two main types of desiccators that are made from polycarbonate or polypropylene material. These are; vacuum desiccators and non-vacuum desiccators.

Reagent Bottle

Reagent bottle or media bottle refers to containers used for storing and sampling both liquid and solid bench reagents in a variety of laboratory experiments. Most reagent bottles are made of glass or plastic.

A spatula is a broad, flat, hand-held blade apparatus that is used for spreading, mixing and scooping solid substances. The do come in various shapes and sizes.

Dropping funnel

This is an apparatus that is used to add controlled amounts of liquids into reaction vessels more so when the reaction is expected to be too vigorous if large amounts of the reagent are used at a go.

These apparatus are used to prepare solid reagents into a paste or powder by grinding, crushing or pounding them. They are mostly made of metal, wood, nonporous marble and granite material.

Test-tube is a tubular apparatus that is used for general laboratory experiments. They may be used to hold and compare chemical substances. In addition to that, test-tubes can be used to mix liquid substances and heating small chemical samples.

This is a heat resistant apparatus used when heating solid substances under high temperatures. It is commonly made of porcelain as it is resistant to heat when strongly heating solid substances.

Safety Apparatus

It is essential for any laboratory to have a wide range of safety equipment at its disposal. They are intended to keep laboratory users and their working environment safe from injuries, corrosive chemicals, poisonous fumes or accidental fires while carrying out experiments. The list of protective gear ranges from:

Safety Goggles

• Purpose : Safety goggles provide eye protection by shielding the eyes from chemical splashes, flying debris, and hazardous fumes or liquids.
• Usage : They are essential in laboratories, workshops, and industrial environments where eye hazards are present. Goggles should fit snugly to prevent entry of harmful substances.

Disposable Coveralls and Aprons

• Purpose : Disposable coveralls and aprons are protective garments that shield the body and clothing from chemical spills, contaminants, or biohazards.
• Usage : Workers wear these items to prevent exposure to hazardous substances, ensuring both personal safety and contamination control.

Disposable Latex Gloves

• Purpose : Disposable latex gloves are worn to protect the hands from contact with chemicals, biological materials, and contaminants.
• Usage : These gloves are common in laboratories, healthcare settings, and industries where hand protection is essential. They reduce the risk of skin contact and contamination.

Plastic Bags

• Purpose : Plastic bags are used for containing and disposing of hazardous waste materials, contaminated items, or biohazards.
• Usage : In laboratories and medical facilities, plastic bags are crucial for safe disposal of waste materials and maintaining cleanliness.
• Purpose : Gas masks protect the respiratory system by filtering out harmful gases, fumes, and particulates from the air.
• Usage : Gas masks are used in environments where there is a risk of exposure to toxic or hazardous airborne substances, such as during chemical spills or in industrial settings.

Fire Blanket or Extinguisher

• Purpose : Fire blankets and extinguishers are used to suppress fires in emergency situations.
• Usage : In the event of a small fire, fire blankets can be used to smother flames. Fire extinguishers are designed to spray fire-suppressing agents to extinguish fires safely.

First Aid Kits

• Purpose : First aid kits contain essential medical supplies and equipment to provide immediate medical assistance in case of injuries or accidents.
• Usage : First aid kits are located in workplaces, laboratories, and public areas to address injuries, burns, cuts, and other medical emergencies.

Plumbed Eyewash Units

• Purpose : Plumbed eyewash units provide a continuous flow of water to rinse and flush the eyes in case of chemical exposure.
• Usage : Eyewash stations are installed in laboratories and workplaces where hazardous chemicals are handled, ensuring prompt eye irrigation in case of accidents.

Flammable Safe

• Purpose : A flammable safe is designed to store flammable liquids and materials safely, preventing ignition or explosions.
• Usage : These safes are essential for fire safety in laboratories, where flammable substances are often used or stored.

Chemical Spill Kits

• Purpose : Chemical spill kits contain materials and equipment for responding to chemical spills, containing and neutralizing the spill, and protecting personnel.
• Usage : In laboratory environments, chemical spill kits are crucial to mitigate the effects of accidental chemical spills, preventing harm and environmental damage.

Plastic Dust Pan and Scoop

• Purpose : Plastic dust pans and scoops are used to collect and safely dispose of solid chemical spills, dust, or debris.
• Usage : They are essential tools for cleaning up laboratory or industrial workspaces, ensuring the safe removal of potentially hazardous materials.

General Laboratory Apparatus

• Purpose : Microscopes are used to magnify and visualize objects or specimens that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are essential tools in fields such as biology, microbiology, and materials science.
• Components : A typical microscope consists of an eyepiece, objective lenses with varying magnification powers, a stage for holding the sample, and a light source for illumination.
• Usage : Researchers place a sample on the stage, adjust the focus using the fine and coarse adjustment knobs, and select the appropriate objective lens for the desired magnification.
• Purpose : Bunsen burners are used for heating, sterilizing, and flame-related experiments in the laboratory. They provide a consistent open flame.
• Components : A Bunsen burner has a gas inlet, an adjustable air vent, and a flame nozzle.
• Usage : The flame intensity and type (oxidizing or reducing) can be adjusted by controlling the air mixture. Bunsen burners are commonly used in chemistry for tasks like heating solutions and sterilizing equipment.
• Purpose : Beakers are used for holding, mixing, and heating liquids. They come in various sizes and are a staple in laboratories for general-purpose tasks.
• Features : Beakers typically have volume markings, a spout for pouring, and a flat bottom.
• Usage : Beakers are versatile containers, but they are not designed for precise measurements. They are often used for mixing solutions, conducting simple reactions, or as a vessel for holding liquids during experiments.

Erlenmeyer Flask

• Purpose : Erlenmeyer flasks are conical-shaped containers with narrow necks. They are used for mixing, heating, and storing liquids, particularly when you need to prevent splashes and evaporation.
• Features : Erlenmeyer flasks have volume markings and can be fitted with stoppers or caps.
• Usage : They are commonly used for titration, as reaction vessels for chemical reactions, or as containers for cultures in microbiology.
• Purpose : Test tubes are small, cylindrical containers used for holding, heating, or mixing small quantities of liquids or solids.
• Features : They come in various sizes, and some have screw caps or stoppers.
• Usage : Test tubes are versatile and widely used in chemical and biological experiments, such as holding reagents, conducting small-scale reactions, or culturing microorganisms.

Graduated Cylinder

• Purpose : Graduated cylinders are used to accurately measure the volume of liquids. They have volume markings for precise measurements.
• Features : They have a narrow, graduated scale and a spout for pouring.
• Usage : Graduated cylinders are essential for preparing solutions with precise volumes and measuring liquids accurately.
• Purpose : Pipettes are used for precise measurement and transfer of small volumes of liquid. They come in various types, including micropipettes for ultra-precise measurements.
• Features : Pipettes have a calibrated scale for volume selection, and some are disposable while others are reusable and require calibration.
• Usage : Pipettes are commonly used in biology, chemistry, and analytical chemistry for tasks like transferring samples, making dilutions, and preparing standards.
• Purpose : Burets are used for precise titrations in analytical chemistry. They allow for controlled dispensing of a titrant into a solution.
• Features : Burets are long, graduated tubes with a stopcock at the bottom for controlling the flow of liquid.
• Usage : Burets are essential in titration experiments where the volume of titrant needed to reach a specific endpoint is critical.

Florence Flask

• Purpose : Florence flasks are used for boiling and heating liquids. They have a round bottom that allows for even heating.
• Features : They typically have a long neck and are often used with a rubber stopper or glass tubing for attaching other equipment.
• Usage : Florence flasks are commonly used in distillation setups and refluxing reactions.
• Purpose : Volumetric flasks are used for preparing solutions with precise volumes. They come in various sizes and are designed to hold a specific volume when filled to the calibration mark.
• Features : Volumetric flasks have a long neck with a single calibration mark on the neck.
• Usage : They are crucial for preparing accurate and known concentrations of solutions, such as standards used in chemical analysis.
• Purpose : Funnels are used for transferring liquids or fine-grained substances from one container to another. They help avoid spills and maintain accuracy.
• Features : Funnels have a wide, tapered opening at the top and a narrow spout at the bottom.
• Usage : Funnels are essential for tasks like filtering solutions, adding reagents to containers, and filling smaller vessels without spillage.
• Purpose : Crucibles are heat-resistant containers used for heating substances to high temperatures. They are typically made of porcelain or ceramic materials.
• Features : They have a small, cylindrical shape and come with lids.
• Usage : Crucibles are commonly used for processes such as heating samples to dryness, ashing organic materials, and performing high-temperature reactions.
• Purpose : Tongs are used for safely handling hot glassware and objects in the laboratory.
• Features : They have long, pincer-like arms with insulated handles.
• Usage : Tongs are essential for gripping and moving hot crucibles, beakers, flasks, and other equipment without direct contact.

Evaporating Dish

• Purpose : Evaporating dishes are shallow, flat-bottomed containers used for evaporating solvents from solutions.
• Features : They are typically made of porcelain or borosilicate glass and are resistant to high temperatures.
• Usage : Evaporating dishes are used to concentrate solutions by gently heating them to drive off the solvent, leaving behind the solute.
• Purpose : Desiccators are sealed containers used to store substances in a dry environment, protecting them from moisture.
• Features : They have an airtight seal and often contain a drying agent like silica gel or calcium chloride.
• Usage : Desiccators are used for storing moisture-sensitive materials, such as hygroscopic chemicals or humidity-sensitive samples.
• Purpose : Centrifuges are used for separating components of a liquid or mixture based on density by spinning them at high speeds.
• Features : They have a rotor that holds sample tubes and can generate centrifugal forces.
• Usage : Centrifuges are used in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and clinical laboratories, for tasks like separating cells, proteins, and particles from liquids.
• Purpose : A hot plate is an electric heating device used to heat glassware or other containers, usually with a flat, heated surface.
• Usage : Hot plates are commonly used for tasks such as boiling water, heating solutions, or conducting reactions that require controlled and consistent temperature.

Magnetic Stirrer

• Purpose : Magnetic stirrers use a rotating magnetic field to create a vortex in a liquid, which stirs or mixes the contents of a container without the need for a physical stirring rod.
• Usage : They are used for even and continuous mixing of solutions, particularly in chemistry and biology experiments.
• Purpose : A pH meter measures the acidity or alkalinity (pH) of a solution. It provides a numerical pH value based on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.
• Usage : pH meters are vital in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, for accurately determining pH levels in solutions.
• Purpose : A spectrophotometer measures the absorption or transmission of light by a substance across a range of wavelengths. It is used for quantitative analysis of substances in a solution.
• Usage : Spectrophotometers are essential for applications like quantifying the concentration of a solute, identifying compounds, and studying chemical reactions.
• Purpose : Autoclaves are pressurized and high-temperature chambers used to sterilize equipment, media, and samples in a laboratory.
• Usage : Autoclaves are crucial for maintaining sterile conditions in microbiology, biotechnology, and medical laboratories.
• Purpose : Incubators provide a controlled environment with regulated temperature and humidity for the growth of microorganisms or the incubation of biological samples.
• Usage : They are essential for cell culture, microbial culturing, and other biological research applications.

Refrigerator/Freezer

• Purpose : Laboratory refrigerators and freezers are used to store temperature-sensitive reagents, samples, and biological materials at controlled temperatures.
• Usage : They are crucial for preserving the integrity and stability of materials, such as enzymes, vaccines, and DNA.
• Purpose : A microcentrifuge is a high-speed centrifuge designed to spin small volumes of liquid at very high speeds, separating components based on density.
• Usage : They are used for tasks such as pelleting cells or particles, separating DNA, and isolating proteins.

Gel Electrophoresis Apparatus

• Purpose : Gel electrophoresis apparatus is used to separate and analyze DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge.
• Usage : It is a fundamental tool in molecular biology for tasks like DNA fingerprinting, DNA fragment separation, and protein analysis.

PCR Machine (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Purpose : A PCR machine amplifies specific DNA sequences through repeated cycles of heating and cooling.
• Usage : PCR machines are vital in molecular biology for DNA amplification, genetic testing, and DNA sequencing.

Spectrofluorometer

• Purpose : A spectrofluorometer measures the fluorescence emission spectra of substances when excited by light of a specific wavelength.
• Components : It typically includes a light source, monochromator, sample holder, and photodetector.
• Usage : Spectrofluorometers are used to study the fluorescence properties of compounds, such as fluorescent dyes, proteins, and biomolecules, in chemical and biological research. They are crucial for characterizing fluorescent materials and quantifying their concentrations.

Distillation Apparatus :

• Purpose : Distillation apparatus is used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on their different boiling points.
• Components : It comprises a boiling flask, distillation head, condenser, receiver flask, and a heat source.
• Usage : Distillation is a common technique for purifying or separating liquids in chemistry, including the production of distilled water or the isolation of pure chemicals.

Condenser :

• Purpose : A condenser cools and condenses vaporized substances back into a liquid state, typically in distillation setups.
• Components : It includes a coiled or straight glass tube through which cooling water circulates.
• Usage : Condensers are essential components in distillation and reflux processes, allowing the collection of purified liquids.
• Purpose : A spatula is a small, flat utensil used for transferring solid chemicals or powders.
• Materials : Spatulas are typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or glass.
• Usage : Spatulas are commonly used to weigh or transfer small quantities of solids in chemistry and analytical work. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications.

Pipette Bulb :

• Purpose : A pipette bulb is a rubber bulb that attaches to a pipette for creating suction and facilitating liquid transfer.
• Usage : Pipette bulbs are used to draw liquids into pipettes accurately. They provide a manual means of controlling the volume of liquid aspirated and dispensed.

Buchner Funnel :

• Purpose : A Buchner funnel is used in vacuum filtration to separate solids from liquids. It contains a perforated plate and a vacuum source to pull liquid through.
• Components : It includes a funnel with a flat, porous base and a conical flask or vacuum flask below it.
• Usage : Buchner funnels are commonly used for isolating precipitates or collecting solid residues from liquid suspensions. Vacuum filtration speeds up the process.

Mortar and Pestle :

• Purpose : A mortar and pestle are tools used for grinding, crushing, and mixing solid materials into fine powders or pastes.
• Materials : Mortars are typically made of ceramic, glass, or stone, while the pestle is a heavy rod.
• Usage : They are widely used in chemistry and biology for tasks such as sample preparation, grinding chemicals, or creating homogenous mixtures.

Stirring Rod :

• Purpose : A stirring rod is a long, thin glass or plastic rod used for manually stirring liquids or suspensions.
• Usage : Stirring rods are commonly used for mixing solutions, ensuring homogeneity in reactions, and transferring small quantities of liquid.

Thermometer :

• Purpose : A thermometer measures temperature. Laboratory thermometers are designed for accuracy and precision.
• Types : There are various types of thermometers, including mercury-in-glass, digital, and infrared.
• Usage : Thermometers are used in various applications, from monitoring reaction temperatures to maintaining controlled conditions in incubators and ovens.

Melting Point Apparatus

• Purpose : A melting point apparatus is used to determine the melting point of a solid substance, which is a characteristic property.
• Components : It includes a heating block, sample holder, and a magnifying lens.
• Usage : It is employed in chemistry for identifying and verifying the purity of organic compounds by comparing their melting points to known standards.
• Purpose : A Petri dish is a shallow, flat, cylindrical container with a lid, used for culturing and observing microorganisms and small specimens.
• Materials : Petri dishes are typically made of glass or clear plastic.
• Usage : Petri dishes are widely used in microbiology for bacterial and fungal cultures and in various biological experiments, including bacterial plate counts and tissue culture.

Separatory Funnel

• Purpose : A separatory funnel is used to separate immiscible liquids or liquids with different densities.
• Components : It has a conical shape with a stopcock at the bottom for controlled liquid drainage.
• Usage : Separatory funnels are commonly used in chemistry for processes like liquid-liquid extraction, purification, and phase separations.

Gas Burette

• Purpose : A gas burette is a graduated glass tube used to measure the volume of gases in chemical experiments.
• Usage : It is employed in experiments where precise gas volume measurements are necessary, such as in gas collection or stoichiometry experiments.

Hemocytometer

• Purpose : A hemocytometer is a special counting chamber used for manually counting blood cells and other small particles under a microscope.
• Components : It consists of a thick glass slide with a grid etched on it and a coverslip.
• Usage : Hemocytometers are essential in clinical laboratories and research for accurate cell counting in applications like blood cell analysis and cell culture.

Vortex Mixer :

• Purpose : A vortex mixer is a high-speed mixer that creates a vortex in a liquid sample to mix its contents.
• Components : It has a motorized base with a rubber cup or platform for holding sample tubes.
• Usage : Vortex mixers are used to quickly and thoroughly mix liquids, suspensions, and small samples in test tubes or microcentrifuge tubes.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

• Purpose : An ultrasonic cleaner uses high-frequency sound waves to remove contaminants from objects immersed in a liquid.
• Components : It consists of a tank filled with cleaning solution, ultrasonic transducers, and a timer.
• Usage : Ultrasonic cleaners are commonly used to clean laboratory glassware, small parts, and delicate instruments, ensuring thorough cleaning without manual scrubbing.

TLC Plate (Thin-Layer Chromatography Plate)

• Purpose : TLC is a chromatography technique used to separate and analyze mixtures. A TLC plate is a flat, thin sheet coated with a stationary phase for this purpose.
• Components : The plate is typically made of glass or plastic with a thin layer of absorbent material (such as silica gel) as the stationary phase.
• Usage : Researchers spot or apply a sample mixture at the base of the plate, which is then placed in a solvent chamber. As the solvent rises through capillary action, it carries the components of the mixture, allowing for separation based on their interactions with the stationary phase.

Rotary Evaporator

• Purpose : A rotary evaporator is used for the gentle and efficient removal of solvents from liquid mixtures, typically in chemical synthesis or sample preparation.
• Components : It consists of a rotating flask, a water bath or heating bath, a vacuum system, and a condenser.
• Usage : The sample is placed in the rotating flask and heated under vacuum. The reduced pressure lowers the boiling point of the solvent, facilitating its removal. The condenser then collects the vapor, which condenses back into a liquid.
• Purpose : A viscometer measures the viscosity of a fluid, which is a measure of its resistance to flow.
• Types : There are various types of viscometers, including capillary viscometers, rotational viscometers, and falling ball viscometers.
• Usage : Viscometers are used in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and oil to determine fluid properties and quality control. They are also employed in research to study the flow behavior of fluids.
• Purpose : A hydrometer is an instrument used to measure the specific gravity (density) of a liquid.
• Components : It typically consists of a graduated glass tube with a weighted bulb at the bottom.
• Usage : Hydrometers are commonly used in various applications, such as in breweries to measure the alcohol content of beer, in laboratories for density measurements, and in the petroleum industry for testing fuel quality.

Microtome :

• Purpose : A microtome is a precision instrument used to cut thin slices (sections) of biological or material samples for microscopy or analysis.
• Types : There are different types of microtomes, including rotary microtomes, cryostats, and ultramicrotomes.
• Usage : Microtomes are vital in histology, biology, and material science for preparing samples for examination under microscopes or other analytical instruments.

Autotitrator (Automatic Titrator)

• Purpose : An autotitrator is an automated titration instrument used for precise and efficient chemical analysis, especially in determining the concentration of analytes in a solution.
• Components : It consists of a burette, a titration vessel, a pH electrode, and automated control systems.
• Usage : Autotitrators perform titrations accurately and with reduced human error. They are widely used in analytical chemistry, quality control, and environmental monitoring.

Gas Syringe

• Purpose : A gas syringe is a device used to measure and transfer known volumes of gases in laboratory experiments.
• Components : It typically consists of a cylindrical glass tube with a plunger or piston.
• Usage : Gas syringes are used in experiments where precise gas volumes are required, such as in gas collection, gas stoichiometry, and determining gas properties like molar mass or density.

Specialized Laboratory Apparatus/Equipment

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer :

• Purpose : An NMR spectrometer is used for the analysis of organic compounds’ structure and properties. It measures the nuclear magnetic resonance of atomic nuclei.
• Components : It consists of a powerful magnet, radiofrequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a sample holder.
• Usage : Researchers place a sample in the magnet, which aligns the nuclei with the magnetic field. RF pulses are applied, and the resulting signals provide information about the chemical environment and connectivity of atoms in the sample.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

• Purpose : SEM produces high-resolution images of the surface of specimens using focused electron beams.
• Components : It includes an electron source, electromagnetic lenses, a sample chamber, and detectors for secondary electrons and backscattered electrons.
• Usage : The electron beam scans the sample’s surface, and signals from interactions with the beam create detailed images, revealing surface topography and composition.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

• Purpose : GC-MS combines gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to identify and quantify chemical compounds in a mixture.
• Components : It has a gas chromatograph to separate compounds and a mass spectrometer to analyze their masses.
• Usage : The mixture is vaporized and separated in the chromatograph. The separated compounds are then ionized in the mass spectrometer and identified by their mass-to-charge ratios.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)

• Purpose : HPLC separates and quantifies compounds in a liquid mixture based on their interactions with a stationary phase.
• Components : It includes a pump, injector, column, detector, and data system.
• Usage : Liquid samples are pumped through a column filled with stationary phase. Different compounds interact differently, leading to separation. The detector records signals that are used for quantification.

UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

• Purpose : This instrument measures the absorption of ultraviolet and visible light by a sample, often for quantitative analysis.
• Components : It has a light source, monochromator, sample holder, and detector.
• Usage : A beam of light passes through the sample, and the detector measures how much light is absorbed. This data can be used to determine the concentration of an absorbing substance.

Flame Photometer

• Purpose : Flame photometers are used to measure the concentration of specific elements in a sample by analyzing the color of the flame produced when the elements are atomized.
• Components : It consists of a flame, nebulizer, burner, and a system for detecting emitted light.
• Usage : A sample is introduced into the flame, and the characteristic colors produced are compared to known standards to determine the element’s concentration.

Mass Spectrometer

• Purpose : Mass spectrometers determine the molecular composition of a sample by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of ions.
• Components : They include an ionization source, mass analyzer, and detector.
• Usage : Samples are ionized, and the resulting ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The detector records these ions, providing information about the sample’s composition.

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)

• Purpose : AFMs allow for imaging and manipulating materials at the nanoscale by scanning a sharp tip across the surface.
• Components : AFMs have a cantilever with a sharp tip and a detector for measuring tip-sample interactions.
• Usage : The tip is brought close to the sample’s surface, and interactions between the tip and sample are measured, producing high-resolution topographical images.

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)

• Purpose : DSC measures changes in heat flow associated with phase transitions and chemical reactions in materials.
• Components : It consists of a sample holder, reference cell, and heating element.
• Usage : The sample and a reference are heated or cooled simultaneously, and the heat flow difference between them is recorded. This provides information about thermal properties and transitions.

Gas Density Meter

• Purpose : Gas density meters determine the density of gases under varying conditions of temperature and pressure.
• Components : They typically involve a sensor that measures the speed of sound in the gas.
• Usage : By measuring the speed of sound, these meters can calculate the density of gases, which is important in various industrial and research applications.

Circular Dichroism Spectrometer (CD)

• Purpose : CD spectrometers analyze the optical activity of chiral molecules to determine their secondary structure.
• Components : They include a light source, sample holder, and detectors for measuring differences in left and right circularly polarized light.
• Usage : CD spectroscopy is widely used in chemistry and biochemistry to study the conformation of biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.
• Purpose : Ultracentrifuges separate particles in suspensions based on size and density using high centrifugal forces.
• Components : They have a rotor, sample tubes, and a powerful motor for high-speed spinning.
• Usage : Ultracentrifugation is essential for tasks like separating macromolecules, organelles, or colloidal particles in biological and biochemical research.

Sonication Bath

• Purpose : Sonication baths use high-frequency sound waves to disrupt and disperse particles in liquids for sample preparation.
• Components : They consist of a bath filled with liquid and a sonication probe or transducer.
• Usage : Sonication is employed for tasks like cell disruption, homogenization, and degassing of solutions.

Raman Spectrometer

• Purpose : Raman spectrometers measure the scattering of monochromatic light by molecules to identify and characterize chemical compounds.
• Components : They include a laser source, spectrometer, and a detector for Raman scattering.
• Usage : Raman spectroscopy is used for chemical analysis, materials characterization, and identifying molecular structures.

Atomic Emission Spectrometer

• Purpose : Atomic emission spectrometers analyze the emission of light by excited atoms to determine elemental composition in samples.
• Components : They include a sample introduction system, excitation source (flame or plasma), and a detector.
• Usage : This instrument is widely used in elemental analysis, such as in environmental monitoring and metal analysis.

Microplate Reader

• Purpose : Microplate readers read absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence in microplate wells for high-throughput screening and assays.
• Components : They have multiple detectors and can accommodate microplates with multiple sample wells.
• Usage : Microplate readers are essential in molecular biology, biochemistry, and drug discovery for rapid analysis of numerous samples.

Chromatography Data System (CDS)

• Purpose : A Chromatography Data System is software used to control and analyze data from chromatography instruments.
• Components : It includes data acquisition, processing, and reporting capabilities.
• Usage : CDS is crucial for managing and interpreting data generated from chromatography experiments, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Cryo-Electron Microscope

• Purpose : Cryo-EM uses extremely low temperatures to study the structure of biological macromolecules and large assemblies.
• Components : It includes a specialized electron microscope and a cryogenic sample stage.
• Usage : Cryo-EM is revolutionizing structural biology by enabling the visualization of complex structures at near-atomic resolution.

Potentiostat-Galvanostat

• Purpose : A potentiostat-galvanostat is used to control and measure electrochemical reactions, often in corrosion studies and battery research.
• Components : It has three electrodes (working, reference, and counter electrodes) and a control unit.
• Usage : It’s employed in a wide range of electrochemical experiments, including corrosion rate determination and battery testing.

Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) :

• Purpose : LA-ICP-MS analyzes solid samples by vaporizing them with a laser and measuring the elemental composition with ICP-MS.
• Components : It involves a laser ablation system coupled to an ICP-MS instrument.
• Usage : LA-ICP-MS is used for spatially-resolved elemental analysis in various fields, including geology, environmental science, and materials research.

Further References

• Laboratory Apparatus : https://owlcation.com/stem/A-Chemistry-Guide-List-of-Common-Laboratory-Equipment-Names-and-Uses
• Lab Equipments : https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnlabglassware.com/more-than-20-common-laboratory-apparatus-their-uses.html%3famp=1?espv=1

Related posts:

• Polyphosphoric Acid (H3PO4): Properties And Uses
• Tungsten(W): Properties, Use, Health & Environmental Effects
• Bunsen Burner Parts: Operation, Uses And Flames
• Cyclopentanol or Cyclopentyl alcohol: Preparation and Properties
• Different Types Of Electrodes
• Bismuth (Bi): Element Information, Properties And Uses

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Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

50 Amazingly Simple Science Experiments for Kids at Home

Science Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Resources 31 Comments

Kids love experimenting , and these 50 simple science experiments for kids at home from Brigitte are perfect for all ages! Plus, you probably already have the basic supplies at home.

My daughters and I have had a lot of fun doing science experiments. Each year when we create our spring and summer list , we make sure to include “science days” which are days filled with science experiments.

Sometimes our science experiments don’t work according to plan, but I have been told that all scientists have failures with experiments from time to time.

It’s okay if they aren’t all successes.

Get the FREE Science Experiments Download

50 Simple Science Experiments with Supplies You Already Have

I love these 50 simple science experiments for you to try with your little scientists. They all use basic household supplies that you probably already have at home!

Most of these are experiments my daughters and I have done together. I hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Get little ones involved with these easy toddler-friendly science experiment ideas!

Simple Science Experiments with Water

Not only can water  be a blast to play in, but water plus a few basic supplies equals a lot of science fun!

• Make an orange sink and float with an orange buoyancy experiment from Playdough to Plato.
• Compare the amount of salt in different types of water with this salty egg experiment  as seen on Uplifting Mayhem.
• Do a little more sinking or floating with a fun sink or float experiment  even toddlers can do from Hands On As We Grow.
• Use the free printable to record what sinks or floats in an outdoor experiment from Buggy and Buddy.
• Create some beautiful pieces of paper with this rainbow paper experiment from Science Kiddo.
• Talk about solutions as you try the “what dissolves in water” experiment  as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
• Learn about water absorption with this simple experiment from Little Bins for Little Hands.
• Mix some fun colors with this oil and water experiment  from Fun Learning for Kids.
• Make your own lava lamp , just like on  Hands On As We Grow.
• Can you keep all the water in the bag? Try it with a  leak-proof bag experiment  as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
• Learn about surface tension with this  magic finger pepper experiment  found on Hands On As We Grow.
• Make your own  water cycle in a bottle  as seen on A Dab of Glue Will Do.

Simple Science Experiments with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda + vinegar = a great chemical reaction! This fizzy reaction can fuel a variety of simple science experiments at home.

First of all, we have tested and found out the absolute best combination of baking soda and vinegar to get the best reaction possible. It makes a difference if you add vinegar to baking soda or vice versa! And how much you use!

• Inflate a balloon without blowing into it with a baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment  as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands.
• Practice colors as you do a baking soda and vinegar with color experiment as seen on Hands On As We Grow.
• Have fun outside with an outdoor volcano eruption  as seen on Preschool Inspirations.
• Have more volcano fun by making apple volcanoes as seen on The Resourceful Mama.
• Learn about acids and bases and the chemical reaction that occurs when you make apple seeds dance with a   jumping apple seeds experiment  as seen on JDaniel4s Mom.
• Watch some rice dance with a   dancing rice experiment as seen on Green Kid Crafts.
• Continue your dance party by making raisins dance with a dancing raisin experiment  as seen on 123 Homeschool 4 Me. What other items can you get to dance?
• Learn more about acids and bases by dissolving a sea shell as seen on Teach Beside Me.
• Make an egg shell disappear with this disappearing egg activity  as seen on Premeditated Leftovers.
• See how far you can launch a soda bottle with this baking soda powered boat as seen on Science Sparks.
• Make your own rocks (or eggs) with this fizzy treasure rocks experiment as seen on Living Life and Learning.
• Have some fun this summer with this frozen vinegar experiment as seen on Inspiration Laboratories.

Plant Themed Simple Science Experiments

Enjoy learning about seeds, plant parts, and how plants grow with these simple science experiments.

• Learn about how plants soak up water through their stems with a flower experiment for kids  from Growing A Jeweled Rose.
• Watch seeds sprout as you grow seeds in a jar  as seen on Teaching Mama.
• Learn about the parts of the seed with a seed coat experiment as seen on Gift of Curiosity.
• Build a house out of sponges and then watch it sprout with this sprout house as seen on The Stem Laboratory.
• Learn what liquids allow seeds to grow the best with this seed experiment  as seen on Gift of Curiosity.
• Explore how plants grow towards the light with this shoe-box maze experiment from Plants for Kids.

Animal Themed Simple Science Experiments

Learning about animals can be even more fun with some simple hands-on simple science experiments.

• Find out more about giraffes and create some giraffe spots  as seen on Preschool Powol Packets.
• Learn about how animals in the Arctic keep warm by making an arctic glove  as seen on Steve Spangler Science.
• Discover how penguins stay dry with a penguin feather experiment as seen on Raising Little Superheroes.
• Learn about different bird beaks with a bird beak experiment as seen on Blessed Beyond a Doubt.
• Explore how fish (and hermit crabs) breathe with this gill experiment  as seen on Preschool Powol Packets.
• Learn about sharks with a   shark buoyancy experiment as seen on Little Bins for Little Hands.

Even More Simple Science Experiment for Kids at Home!

If you are still looking for more science fun, you may enjoy the following simple science experiments.

• Find out how sugary drinks hurt teeth with an  eggs-periment  as seen on Feels Like Home Blog.
• Discover geodes (the state rock of Iowa) with this eggshell geode crystal experiment  as seen on Upstart Mag.
• Learn about air pressure with an egg and bottle experiment  as seen on Science Sparks.
• Find out what causes an apple to brown with this apple science experiment  as seen on Teach Beside Me.
• Make an  edible bubble apple with an experiment as seen on Preschool Powol Packet.
• Learn more about surface tension with a penny and water experiment  as seen on Artful Parent.
• Mix colors like magic with this color changing milk experiment  from Hands On As We Grow.
• Blow up a balloon with this soda and balloon experiment from Learn Play Imagine.
• Practice letters by making beautiful crystal letters as seen on Books and Giggles.
• Make your own indoor hovercraft  as seen on Living Life and Learning.
• Learn about colors with this beautiful butterfly chromatography craft  as seen on Buggy and Buddy.
• Make soap souffle  as seen on Steve Spangler Science.
• After talking about liquids and solids (and finding them in your own home), create oobleck  as seen on Babble Dabble Do. Is it a liquid, or is it a solid?
• Learn about frost by making some indoor frost as seen on Little Bin for Little Hands.
• Make your own homemade butter in a jar as seen on Happy Hooligans.

What scientific experiment will you try first?

About Brigitte Brulz

Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom of two daughters, wife of her high school sweetheart, and author of Jobs of a Preschooler and Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles. She offers free coloring pages and activity ideas on her website at BrigitteBrulz.com .

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Reader Interactions

31 comments.

y2matewebsite says

October 2, 2024 at 2:39 am

I love this list of experiments! It’s amazing how many fun and educational activities we can do with everyday supplies. Can’t wait to try the vinegar and baking soda volcano with my kids this weekend! Thank you for sharing!

college brawl says

March 13, 2024 at 1:05 am

Wow, these experiments look like so much fun! I can’t wait to try them out with my kids. We’re always looking for new and creative ways to learn about science at home, and these experiments look like they’ll be perfect for us. Thanks for sharing! 😊

threadsBay says

August 31, 2023 at 3:13 am

I love science experiments! This one is really simple and easy to do.

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