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.