Lab Equipment Introduction
Beaker
Function:
Provides an
approximate
measurement of a
liquid’s volume in liters
(L) or millimeters (mL).
Graduated Cylinder
Function:
• Measures the
volume of liquid in
mL
• The liquid is
measured at the
meniscus (curved
surface of the water)
Florence or Erlenmeyer Flask
Function:
• Container for
chemicals
• Measures volume
• Cylindrical neck
allows
liquids to be
swirled
Test Tube
Function:
• Holds liquid
chemicals
• Glass or plastic
tube with an
open or
stoppered end
Petri Dish
Function:
• Allows the growth and
observation of
organisms
• Looks like a clear
shallow dish with a lid
• Can be plastic or
glass and cleaned for
repeated use.
Test Tube Clamp
Function:
• Holds the test
tube
• Used when the
test tube
contains
dangerous or hot
chemicals
Hot Plate
Function:
• Heats chemicals
or other lab
objects
• Powered by
electricity, not
fire.
Thermometer
Function:
• Measures temperature
• Measurements reported
in degrees Celsius
• We use thermometers
with alcohol, not
mercury.
Microscope
Function:
• Uses objective
lenses to
magnify small
objects for
observation
• Magnifications
can vary
Stereoscope
Function:
• Also called a
dissecting
microscope
• Able to zoom in
on an object for
closer observation
or dissection
Hand Lens
Function:
• Makes objects
look bigger for
observation
• Can be plastic
or glass
Eyedropper
Function:
• Transfers a small
amount of liquid
volume (drop by
drop) by
squeezing and
releasing the
bulb
Dissecting Equipment
Function:
• Helps to cut, observe,
transfer, and examine
biological specimens.
• Includes: probe, scissors,
scalpel, tweezers, pins
• NOTE: You need to know
images for a Scalpel,
Probe, Forceps, and
Dissecting scissors
individually.
Balance
Function:
• Measures the
mass of an
object
• Measurements
are in grams
Lab Incubator
Function:
• Device used to grow and
maintain microbiological
cultures
• Maintains optimal
temperature and humidity
Task:
What would happen if you
put a petri dish containing
bacteria into an incubator?
Biological Specimen
Function:
• Preserved
biological
organism or object
• Used for biological
research and
observation
Microscope Slides
Function:
•Thin flat piece
of glass used to
hold objects in
place under a
microscope.
Dissecting Pins
Function:
• Used for
dissecting
organisms
• Holds cut
specimen in
place.
Dissecting Pan
Function:
• Used for
dissecting
organisms
• Keeps
specimen in a
contained area
Ring Stand
Function:
• Allows for
attachment of
clamps to
suspend test
tubes, flasks,
wire gauze and
clay triangles.
Ring Clamp
Function:
• Holds glassware,
wire gauze, and
clay triangles for
heating over
open flame.