Science: A Field Of Wonder/About The Laboratory

Basic Laboratory Tools
How do you make scientific investigations? To be reliable and accurate, scientific investigations need data to help prove or disprove a hypotheses. In order to gather appropriate data, the following laboratory equipment and their uses are presented below.

Safety Devices
Safety devices are used to protect yourself when working inside the laboratoryroom. Common examples of safety devices are as follows:

Laboratory Gown or Apron
A laboratory gown is worn to protect the skin and clothing from spills.

Safety Goggles
These are worn in the laboratory to protect the eyes from harmful and toxic substances.

Gloves
These are used to protect the hands from contact with harmful substances, broken glass, and hot objects.

Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols will appear in the laboratory experiments to emphasize additional important areas of caution. Learn what they represent so you can take the appropriate precautionary measures.

Electric Shock
This indicates that electrical outlets should not be touched when hands are wet.

Disposal
This means that used chemicals must be properly disposed of in specific containers.

Poison
This means that the substance is harmful, deadly, and should not be touched, tasted, or inhaled.

Heating a Substance in a Test Tube
When you are heating a test tube


 * 1) always use a test tube holder.
 * 2) always hold the test tube at an angle like in figure shown below
 * 3) never point a test tube of liquid being heated to yourself or to your classmates.
 * 4) distribute the heat at the bottom of the test tube by passing the sides of the test tube up and down along the flame.

Measuring Volume
The volume of a liquid is measured by using a graduated cylinder. A graduated cylinder is marked in milliliters (mL). It measures small amounts like 10mL or large amounts like 100mL.

In reading the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder, place the setup on a flat surface. At eye level, read the lower meniscus. meniscus - the curve of the surface of the liquid

Laboratory Safety Measures
Safety and environmental consciousness is vital in doing laboratory activities. Always consider your own, your co-workers, and the environment's safety.


 * 1) Read the laboratory instructions of the experiment carefully before you start working on the experiment. Listen for further instructions from the teacher.
 * 2) Regard all waste disposals as a potential safety and environmental risk. Dispose of solid and liquid wastes properly. Ask your teacher how.
 * 3) Wear appropriate protective apparel such as gloves, laboratory gowns or aprons, and safety goggles.
 * 4) Take care of all equipment and apparatus. Clean them after use.
 * 5) Know all emergency and fire procedures. Become familiar with safety signs and symbols.
 * 6) Never taste a chemical or solution unless told to do so.
 * 7) Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
 * 8) Report immediately any breakage of glassware or equipment to the teacher or laboratory assistant for proper disposal.
 * 9) Do not touch electrical outlets and gas cocks if not needed in the experiment.
 * 10) Never work inside the laboratory room unless supervised by the teacher or the laboratory staff.