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Equipment list
The list of suggested equipment is organised alphabetically. It includes sourcing information, suggestions for use, and any relevant notes.
Click on the letter link below to see the equipment.
A |
B |
C |
D-G |
H-L |
M |
N-R |
S |
T |
U-Z |
MS Excel Downloadable version
Download the Microsoft Excel version of the "Equipment list" and adapt it to suit your school's particular needs. Extra columns can be added to record such information as:
- stock levels of existing equipment and materials
- priority for obtaining new equipment and materials
- dates, prices, and sources of purchase
These records provide the information needed for regular stocktaking and for planning new purchases or collection campaigns.
Science Toolkit - Equipment list
(Excel 55 KB)
Science Toolkit - Equipment list
(Word 112 KB)
Suggested minimum safety equipment
Relevant items from the following list must be readily accessible in a classroom during science activities. Most of them could be stored in a large plastic box that can be easily taken to the classroom when required.
- Fire extinguisher or bucket of sand (for smothering small fires)
- Fire blanket
- First-aid kit
- Source of water (such as a bucket of water)
- Rubber-hose shower attachment (to use as a safety shower)
- Plastic jug (to use for washing eyes with clean water)
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Lab coats (old shirts)
- A container for broken glass and other sharp materials. See page 30, Safety and science: A guidance manual for New Zealand school (Revised edition, 2000) .
Safety procedures
It is advisable for students to wear some form of protective clothing, such as an old shirt, when carrying out chemical reactions or using biological materials.
Safety glasses or goggles should be worn if the particular activity involves a risk to eyes. Safety glasses require regular sterilisation, preferably by ultraviolet light. Local hospitals, universities, or research institutes may be able to carry out the sterilisation.
Cutlery used in science activities must be clearly labelled at school and kept separate from cutlery used for eating.