Tip #30 Top 10 Biology Lab Supplies

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The decision to homeschool through high school is not an easy one. The stakes are higher. The curriculum is more rigorous. The need for expensive lab supplies seems eminent. I have discovered you do not need a huge set of lab supplies to do most biology labs. In fact, I specialize in creating biology labs and activities that use common items. I curated a list of 10 items that I consider essential for high school biology at home. Many of these will also be used for chemistry the next year, too!

First up, the most expensive item: the microscope

We have owned three student microscopes by AmScope and this one is by far my favorite. It is decently rugged, has battery or plug-in options for power, comes with a slide kit, and has TWO light sources. The base light is for viewing slides, however there is also a light behind the nosepiece for viewing larger specimens from above, such as insects or flower stamen. You can also purchase the microscope in this set for a bit more, but it comes with a slide preparation kit so students can make their own slides with stains.

In biology, whether you are dissecting flowers, fruit, worms, or frogs, you need a quality dissection kit.

Test tubes are necessary for small scale experiments. This set comes with a stand and stoppers. These will be used again in chemistry.

You will need test tube holders for handling hot tubes or to prevent chemical drips on hands.

These pipettes are very convenient for not only biology experiments but for any household chore that requires a dropper. Markings are decently easy to read for measuring. Pipettes will also be used in chemistry.

Alcohol thermometers are a lab staple and will be used in chemistry, as well. Yes, you can also use a digital thermometer, but reading an alcohol thermometer is a skill that students should learn in science lab.

Digital kitchen scales that have a removable, washable weigh tray are perfect for home science labs. This scale is small and easy to use.

Safety goggles are THE MOST important piece of safety gear for any lab. If your student does not already have a pair, this is the year to start wearing them during any and all labs that involve chemicals.

Wash bottles are another another biology and chemistry lab tool that come in handy around the house. Fill them with distilled water and after the experiment is over and the test tubes and slides are clean, these are great for precise cleaning jobs.

Lastly, you need a set of glass beakers and graduated cylinders. Plastic sets are also nice, however they cannot be used for heating. This set is perfect for biology and chemistry, and even comes with a glass stirring rod.

Individual labs will also have supplies needed, but this list should supply the basics for a year of biology, and also chemistry. Other than the microscope, the items can be purchased a few at a time to break up the cost. Items can also be found used in local homeschool groups, and your local library may have microscopes for use in library or check-out.

Here is a link to the complete list on Amazon to easily add everything to your cart: North Star Homeschool Resources Biology Top 10