Identifying Laboratory Equipment
Introduction
Scientists use a variety of tools to explore the world around them. Scientific tools are
very important in the advancement of science. The type of tools scientists use 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 an animal. In a different investigation, the same
scientist may use a compound microscope to observe mitosis in the cells of this same
animal.
In this activity, you will identify pieces of laboratory equipment likely to be used in a
biology laboratory. You will also learn the function of each piece of laboratory
equipment.
Problem
What are the names and functions of some of the pieces of laboratory equipment found in
a typical biology laboratory?
Pre-Lab Discussion
Read the entire packet before answering the questions.
1. What types of measurements might you need to make in the biology laboratory?
2. What types of equipment would you need to make measurements in the biology
laboratory?
3. Why are several types of glassware marked for measuring?
4. How might glassware be used differently?
Materials
Holt Biology Textbook
Laboratory equipment (for modeling and demonstration)
Procedure
1. Look at the drawings of the laboratory equipment in Figure 1 below. In the chart
that follows, write the name of each piece of laboratory equipment under the
column titled “Identify It”.
2. Carefully inspect the different types of laboratory equipment that have been set out
by your teacher. In the space provided, draw the item and record the function of
each piece of laboratory equipment.
Equipment Word Bank
Dissecting Scissors, Triple Beam Balance, Apron, Compound Microscope, Test Tube
Rack, Microscope Slide, Forceps, Petri Dish, Metric Ruler, Beaker, Graduated Cylinder,
Dissecting Pins, Microscope Slide Coverslip Glass , Pipette, Micropipette, Dissecting
Pan, Scalpel, Probe, Hot Plate, Funnel, Thermometer, Erlenmeyer Flask, Goggles, Test
Tube
Figure 1
E
A
B
G
C
F
D
H
I
K
J
Q
P
M
S
L
R
O
N
W
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X
Identify It
(What is the piece of
equipment called?)
A. Erlenmeyer Flask
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Draw It
(Draw a picture of the
element)
Explain It
(What is the function of the
piece of equipment?)
Measure, mix, and hold liquids
in the lab.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S.
T.
U.
V.
W.
X.
Analysis and Conclusions
1. Which laboratory tools can be used to magnify small objects?
2. Which laboratory tools are useful when looking at the internal organs of an earthworm?
3. What tool or tools would you use to make each of the following measurements? What is the
unit of measurement for each tool?
A. amount of milk in a small glass: __________________________________________
B. length of a maple leaf: _________________________________________________
C. temperature of the water in a lake: ________________________________________
D. mass of a sea turtle: ___________________________________________________
4. How do laboratory tools improve the observations made by a scientist?
Going Further:
Examine other types of laboratory equipment that you will be using in the biology laboratory.
Try to determine the function of each piece of equipment.