Lab Materials

There are three labs in this course. The materials for each lab are listed below. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course.


Lab 1: Investigating Microbial Growth

4 prepared agar plates or create your own using:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar (often found in grocery stores with Asian cuisine) or 1.5 packages (12 oz) plain, unflavored gelatin
  • 1-quart microwaveable container
  • Oven mitts
  • 4  ½-cup (75 mL) plastic containers (snack-sized or mini food containers)
  • Permanent marker for labeling


Lab 2: Investigating Cause and Effect with Data

  • This lab allows you to choose one of three options. The required materials will depend upon which lab you choose.


Lab 3: Design and Conduct a Temperature Investigation

  • You will design this investigation yourself. The lab includes suggested materials. The required materials will depend on your procedure.

 

Activity Materials


Unit 1 Materials Needed

  • 3 eggs (Perishable)
  • 3 glasses (big enough to hold the egg and liquid)
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Corn syrup
  • Slotted spoon
  • Sticky notes
  • Ruler or measuring tape


Unit 2 Materials Needed

  • 2 different kinds of flowers (Recommended flowers for dissection: lilies, tulips, daffodils, gladiolus) (Perishable)
  • Camera
  • Magnifying glass (optional)


Unit 3 Materials Needed

  • One strawberry (alternative soft fruit like a banana may be substituted but strawberries yield the best results) (Perishable)
  • Ziploc bag
  • Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
  • Fine strainer or cheese cloth
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Salt
  • Tweezers


Unit 4 Materials Needed

  • Fork
  • Spoon
  • Scissors
  • 30 rubber bands
  • 30 pieces of uncooked macaroni or spiral pasta
  • 30 beans or corn kernels

Unit 5 Materials Needed

  • Notebook (preferably a pocket-sized notebook that is easy to carry around)
  • Kitchen measuring cups (1/4 cups, 1/3 cup, and 1 cup), optional
  • Kitchen measuring spoons (1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon), optional


Unit 6 Materials Needed

  • Two shoe box lids or similar sized trays
  • 1 cup/250 mL measuring cup or scoop
  • Two bags of assorted beans/seeds:
    • Bag #1 needs three distinct beans/seeds/grains/nuts.  Suggestions: Three bean soup mix or combination of pinto, lima, red or black beans.
    • Bag #2 needs a wide variety of at least 20 distinct beans/seeds/grains/nuts.  Suggestions: Start with a 15 bean soup mix.  You can supplement your bean mix with coffee beans, popcorn, rice, sunflower seeds, peas, and other types of nonperishable ingredients.