Setting up a chemistry lab for students requires a lot of equipment and supplies. Start with the basics, like the chemistry lab equipment listed here. Over time, you’ll definitely accumulate more specialized supplies, but this list will help get you started.
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Safety Equipment
Safety first! Here’s some of the chemistry lab equipment you’ll need to keep your students safe while they learn.
Goggles
Eye protection is absolutely vital when you’re working with chemicals. These goggles are basic and affordable, and they’re the right size for teens. (If you need child-sized goggles, check out this option from Amazon.)
Buy it: Pyramex G205 Series Chemical Splash Goggles at Fisher Scientific
Eyewash Station
This clever faucet mount turns your lab sink into an instant eyewash station in case of emergency. It’s easy to install and to use.
Buy it: Eyewash Faucet Mount for Standard Faucet at Carolina
Fire Blanket
Most classrooms are already equipped with a fire extinguisher, but it’s also smart to keep a fire blanket on hand. Mount it to the wall in an easily accessible location, so all students know where to find it.
Buy it: Fire Blanket and Case at Flinn Scientific
Disposable Gloves
You can buy disposable gloves in a variety of places, but you’ll want to make sure they’re both latex-free and chemical-resistant. Consider keeping several sizes on hand to ensure a good fit for all students.
Buy it: Black Nitrile Gloves, 100 ct. at Amazon
Disposable Masks
When you’re buying masks, be sure to check that they’re NIOSH-approved. These from 3M are effective and surprisingly comfortable to wear.
Buy it: 3M 9205+ Aura Particulate N95 Respirators, 20 Pack at Amazon
General Lab Tools
Use these tools for experiments, demos, and more hands-on learning experiences.
Bunsen Burner
These burners are inexpensive enough that you can equip multiple stations around your classroom. There are options for bottled propane or natural gas connections too.
Buy it: Bunsen Burners at Flinn Scientific
Alcohol Burner
Use alcohol burners when conventional burners won’t fit or aren’t available. This one’s angled sides allow it to rest in a variety of positions.
Buy it: Glass Alcohol Burner at Flinn Scientific
Microscope
When it comes to lab equipment, microscopes are a must. This economical model from Celestron boasts great optics at an affordable price.
Buy it: Celestron Monocular Head Compound Microscope 40-800x Magnification at Amazon
Slide Prep Set
Use these kits to prepare samples for viewing under the microscope lens. They’re available with both glass and plastic slides.
Buy it: Slide Prep Sets at Flinn Scientific
Thermometer
Get the most accurate (and easy) readings with digital thermometers. This pocket-size version has its own case to protect the probe.
Buy it: Digital Pocket Thermometer at Carolina
Glassware/Plasticware and Tools
This is where chemistry labs really shine—beakers, flasks, test tubes, and more! Tip: In many cases, plastic options are just fine and will prevent a lot of breakage accidents. Just keep some glass containers on hand for the times when plastic won’t work.
Deluxe Labware Set
If you just need enough equipment to do classroom demos, this all-in-one kit is fantastic. It’s got everything you need for basic experiments, for a very reasonable price.
Buy it: Deluxe Chemistry Glassware & Labware Set at Home Science Tools
Beaker Starter Set (Polypropylene)
Stock up on measuring beakers, because you’ll need them for pretty much any experiment. These Griffin-style beakers can be nested for easy storage.
Buy it: Polypropylene Plastic Beaker Starter Pack at Carolina
Borosilicate Glass Beakers
If you’re looking for traditional glass beakers, these are well priced, strong, and heat-resistant. Available in 10 sizes.
Buy it: Borosilicate Glass Beakers at Flinn Scientific
Polymethylpentene Erlenmeyer Flasks
These plastic flat-bottom flasks are ideal for students and classrooms. They’re available in 250 and 500 mL sizes.
Buy it: Polymethylpentene Erlenmeyer Flasks at Carolina
Economy Choice Borosilicate Erlenmeyer Flasks
These glass Erlenmeyer flasks are still strong and reliable, but the rim isn’t as heavily tooled. This means you can get them for less!
Buy it: Economy Choice Borosilicate Erlenmeyer Flasks at Flinn Scientific
Boiling Flasks
Boiling flasks come in both flat-bottom and round-bottom styles. For round-bottom flasks, you’ll also need extension clamps or crucible tongs.
Buy it: Round-Bottom Boiling Flasks and Flat-Bottom Boiling Flasks at Flinn Scientific
Test Tubes
Test tubes are one of those chemistry lab equipment items you’ll need to buy in bulk, whether in glass or plastic. Don’t forget to stock up on stoppers as well; this bulk set from Carolina offers both solid and holed stoppers.
Buy it: Polypropylene Test Tubes or Borosilicate Glass Test Tubes at Flinn Scientific
Graduated Cylinders
Use these containers for taking exact liquid measurements. They come in a variety of sizes in plastic, PMP, or glass.
Buy it: Graduated Cylinder Set in Plastic at Carolina / Graduated Cylinders in Glass or PMP at Flinn Scientific
Funnels
You’ll need funnels to safely add materials to flasks and test tubes. Plastic funnels like these from Carolina will serve most purposes, but you may want a set of glass ones as well.
Buy it: 4-Piece Glass Funnel Set at Amazon
Droppers and Pipettes
Use these to transfer small amounts of liquids and measure more precisely. Glass pipettes can be cleaned and reused, while inexpensive plastic ones are disposable.
Buy it: 20-Pack Glass Droppers or 150-Piece Plastic Transfer Pipettes at Amazon
Support Stand Set
Use these sets to hold labware in place while performing experiments. Each stand comes with several adjustable clamps and supports.
Buy it: Chemistry Laboratory Stands Support Set at Amazon
Deluxe Lab Toolkit
Get a little bit of everything in this set: six-hole test tube rack, test tube brush, test tube clamp, crucible tongs, lab scoop, spatula, and forceps.
Buy it: Deluxe Lab Toolkit at Carolina
Watch Glass
Use these as beaker covers or to heat small quantities of various substances. This economy pack is a terrific bargain.
Buy it: Pack of 12 Economy Watch Glasses at Carolina
Distillation Set
This kit is easy-to-assemble and perfect for any experiment requiring distillation. This one is glass, so handle with care.
Buy it: Organic Distillation Set at Flinn Scientific
Vacuum Filtration Set
Here’s another set made from glass, used for vacuum filtration, which is faster than gravity filtration.
Buy it: Vacuum Filtration Set at Flinn Scientific
Chemicals and Compounds
Chemistry experiments require a variety of substances. Some of these are easy to find, but others require special shipping procedures and careful handling. These suppliers can help meet your needs when it comes to chemicals, compounds, and other materials.
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Plus, The Big List of Science Fair Project Ideas, Resources, and More.
