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If you read my Top 10 Biology Lab Supplies post, you know that I try to keep homeschooling costs low by buying lab supplies that can be used for several years. Many of the items on the list that I am sharing today for homeschooling high school chemistry also show up on the biology list. Yay!
I have curated an Amazon list, but the links for the products are in each description below:
EVERY lab student needs safety goggles that seal in the eyes all the way around when working with chemicals. Not just safety glasses, but goggles. These are used every year in high school science labs and will continue to be used in college science labs.
Glass beakers and graduated cylinders are necessary for accurate measuring and mixing. This set also comes with a glass stirring rod, which is handy. Plastic sets are fine, however plastic beakers cannot be used for heating, whereas glass beakers can be used on hot plates. We have both in our homeschool lab collection, and even if it doesn’t need to be heated, I usually grab the glass beakers.
Speaking of hot plates, this one also stirs with a magnet! I love the convenient ring stand. It can hold test tubes in hot water for heating! It is smaller that a professional lab version like students will use in college, but can get the job done.
Test tubes are essential for smaller experiments in chemistry and biology. I love that this set comes with a holder. I recommend also ordering a test tube brush, but a twisted piece of paper towel or old toothbrush can also work.
Holding onto test tubes can be tricky when hot or with wet hands. I think more test tubes were broken than any other glassware when I taught in the classroom, mostly for not using test tube tongs.
Glass alcohol thermometers are standard and every student should be able to read one. Yes, you can use a digital thermometer, but labs are about learning science skills. Thermometers are used in biology, chemistry, physics, and just about any other science class you can name.
A balance is a good place to choose the digital option. This small kitchen scale will measure in grams and has an easy-to-clean weigh tray. We have separate scales for kitchen and science lab, but one could do double duty if you already have a digital kitchen scale.
These 3mL calibrated pipettes are perfect for measuring small amounts or using as droppers, plus they are disposable. I personally keep the ones that are used for distilled water and reuse them. Pipettes are also super handy to have around the house for odd jobs, so even though this bag looks massive, I guarantee they will all get used eventually.
Wash bottles for distilled water are another dual duty item. Your student will use them for rinsing and cleaning in lab for many science classes, and you may find uses for them in many little jobs around the house.
Lastly, the student favorite: a molecular model kit. This is an absolute must for chemistry for demonstrating molecular bonding, bond angles, stoichiometry and conservation of mass, and many other concepts. Plus, they are just fun to play and build with! Science classes should always include models to help students understand things to big or small to be seen with the naked eye. Model building, whether with kits or just beads and pipe cleaners, helps students to analyze, understand, and create, engaging them in active learning.
There are MANY other things that can be purchased for a homeschool chemistry lab; these are just my top 10 recommendations. What would you add to the list?
