Name _______________________________ Date _______________________ Period_______
Laboratory Equipment and MSDS
Lab Equipment

Scientists use a variety of tools to explore the world around them. Tools are very important in the advancement of science. The
type of tools scientists choose and design depends on the problems they are trying to solve. A scientist may use something as
simple as a metric ruler to measure the length of a leaf. At another time, the same scientist may use a complex computer to
analyze large amounts of data concerning hundreds of leaves. Often, the pace of technology drives the pace at which discoveries
are made.

Use this document to review or introduce yourself to a variety of tools used in Environmental Science. There are others, but these
are the most common. Review your Safety Rules to make sure that you can use the equipment correctly and safely.
Tool
Name of Tool
Function of Tool
Safety goggles
To protect eyes during lab
Metric ruler (also
meter sticks)
For measuring the length of objects
using SI units with accuracy
Pipette
For measuring small amounts of a
liquid with accuracy
Graduated
cylinder
For measuring liquids with accuracy
NOT for heating
Test tube
For holding, heating, or mixing small
amounts of chemicals
NOT for measuring
Test tube rack
For holding and organizing several
test tubes
Triple beam or
quad beam
balance
For measuring the MASS of an object
in grams with accuracy
* Note: this is not the same thing as
a scale; a scale measures weight,
which is a measure of the pull of
gravity on an object (N or lb). A
balance measures the amount of
matter in an object. Weight changes
with gravity; mass is constant in the
universe. Electronic balances read to
a pre-determined number of
significant digits and no estimation of
the last digit is done; record the
displayed mass “as is”.
Timing device
Used to accurately and precisely time
laboratory events; includes digital
timers (shown), as well as clocks and
watches
Probeware
Electronic devices with
interchangeable “probes” used to
collect data in a digital format,
including dissolved oxygen content,
CO2 content, turbidity, pH, and
temperature; can interface with a
computer or graphing calculator for
digital analysis of the data
Thermometer
For measuring temperature (heat)
with accuracy (always in Celsius on a
laboratory thermometer)
Hand lens
(magnifying glass); to enlarge small
objects or view details on a large
object; can be used on living
organisms
pair of identical or mirror-symmetrical
telescopes mounted side-by-side and
aligned to point accurately in the
same direction, allowing the viewer to
use both eyes (binocular vision) when
viewing distant objects. Most are
sized to be held using both hands
Intended for treatment of minor
injuries only. Typical contents include
adhesive bandages, regular strength
pain medication, gauze and lowgrade
disinfectant.
Binoculars
First Aid Kit
Compass
A compass is an instrument used for
navigation and orientation that shows
direction relative to the geographic
cardinal directions, or "points".
Usually, a diagram called a compass
rose, which shows the directions
north, south, east, and west as
abbreviated initials marked on the
compass.
Gloves
Disposable gloves used specifically to
protect hands from injury, toxins or
bodily fluids.
Stereoscope
(dissecting
microscope)
view objects too large for the
standard microscope; used for
viewing during dissections; can view
living specimens and whole organisms
in greater detail; allows for good
depth perception because a user can
utilize both eyes
Electronic
balance
Used to quickly determine the MASS
of a sample; capable of automatic
tare (the mass of the container)
determination; number of significant
digits predetermined and no
estimation of the last digit is done;
record the displayed mass “as is”
Container designed for weighing liquid
or powdered samples in the
laboratory. The mass of the weigh
boat is to be subtracted from the total
mass of what you are weighing.
Weigh Boat
Or
Weighing Boat
Read each scenario and determine the equipment that would be needed using the work bank below.
Binoculars
Metric Ruler
Test Tubes
Compass
Pipette
Thermometer
Electric Scale
Probeware
Timer
Gloves x 4
Safety Goggles x 4
Triple Beam Balance
Graduated Cylinder x 2
Stereoscope
Weight Boat
Hand Lens
Test Tube Rack
1. You are out in the field observing flying patterns of birds including direction of flight, length of time in the air and
the physical characteristics. Equipment needed: ________________________, ________________________,
___________________________
2. After observing the birds in the wild you collect feathers to examine back in the laboratory to determine if they
carry a particular parasite. You also check to see if there is a correlation between infection and feather length.
Equipment needed for collection and observation: ______________________, _______________________,
_____________________________, ____________________________, ____________________________
3. The pond near the bird’s breeding site has been suspected of pollution causing the parasites to grow in
population. You have been asked to collect water samples. Equipment needed: ________________________,
____________________________, ______________________________, ______________________________
4. After collecting water you must test for dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature back at the lab. In order to
perform these tests, water needs to be measured in both large and small quantities. Equipment needed:
_________________________, _______________________, ___________________________,
___________________________, ____________________________, __________________________
5. After recording data you must disinfect the feathers using a solution of 35ml of water and 1.5 g of baking soda
before disposing of them. Equipment needed: __________________________or _________________________,
__________________________, ____________________________, ______________________________,
________________________________
Reading and Understanding a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
6. What does MSDS stand for? _____________________________________________________
7. What is the MSDS # and Revision Date for this chemical? ______________________________
8. From your reading: Complete the table below using the MSDS sheet assigned to you.
Question to Answer
Information Found
MSDS # assigned to you
Complete name of chemical
Synonyms for this chemical name
What are the hazards of working with
chemical?
What should you do if this chemical spills on
your skin?
What is the reactivity of this chemical; is this
high or low?
What personal protection equipment should
you wear when working with this chemical?
What is the formula for this chemical (this is
a property of the chemical)?
If you spilled a large quantity of this chemical
in a pond, what is its effect on aquatic life?
9. Why is it a requirement that this document be available for every chemical used in the lab?
Section Found In
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