Physical Science Explored Lab & Activity Supplies
For our junior high-level science classes, we try to keep specialty lab supplies to a minimum in order to make the class and activities accessible for all families. Below you’ll find options for where to purchase the few specialty items required, along with a complete list of lab supplies needed for each lesson in Physical Science Explored.
Where to Buy Supplies?
1. Purchase the First Semester Physical Science Explored Custom Kit (coming soon!)
Cornerstone Educational Supplies has created a lab kit with the specialty supplies for the first semester for those who would like to complete all of the labs. Families may pick and choose which labs to complete. However, if you would like to do all or most of the labs, this is the most economical way to purchase the specialty lab supplies.
2. Purchase supplies a la carte:
Most families won’t complete all of the labs. For those who will be picking and choosing which labs or want to purchase just a few supplies at a time, use the links in the list below to purchase items a la carte from Home Science Tools.
Lab Supplies for Physical Science Explored
Below are lab supplies listed by lesson. Alternatively, you can see a list of supplies listed by specialty supplies and household supplies here.
Complete Lab Supply List by Lesson
Lesson 1: Freezing Liquids & Exploring the Scientific Method
- 3 household liquids (water, milk, orange juice, or whatever you have on hand!)
- Ice cube tray
- Timer
- Plate
Lesson 2: Scientific Measurements
- Ruler
- Textbook
- 25 mL or 50 mL graduated cylinder
- Stopwatch
Lesson 3: Bullseye! Activities to Explore Accuracy & Precision
- 3 pieces of scrap paper
- Trash can
- 3 coins
- Plastic cup (or any object to use as a target)
Lesson 4: Physical vs Chemical Changes
- Plastic bottle
- Balloon
- Teaspoon
- 25 or 50 mL Graduated cylinder
- Funnel
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Small pot
- Stove
- Ice cube
Lesson 5: Calculating & Comparing Density
- Density cylinders (aluminum, brass, steel, copper)
- 25 mL or 50 mL graduated cylinder
- Scale
- Water
Lesson 6: Building Bohr Models
- String
- M&M’s
(alternative: beads, legos, or other small objects) - Colored pencils
- Periodic table
Lesson 7: Research Your Favorite Element
- No supplies needed
Lesson 8: Exploring Properties of Ionic & Molecular Compounds
- Disposable aluminum pie pan
- 2 droppers
- Ethanol
- Well plate
- Calcium chloride
- Candle wax (scrape a small amount off of any household candle)
- Sodium chloride (table salt)
- Sugar
- Sharpie marker
Lesson 9: Exam 1 (No Lab)
Lesson 10: Reading and Writing Chemical Formulas
- 1/2 cup epsom salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- 250 mL beaker, half pint mason jar, or similar sized glass dish
Lesson 11: Naming Ionic Compounds
- 2 dice
- Masking tape
- Marker
Lesson 12: Naming and Writing Formulas for Molecular Coumpunds
- No supplies needed
Lesson 13: Balancing Chemical Equations
- Colored pencils
- M&Ms – Four colors, 20 of each color
- Alka Seltzer tablet
- Scale
- Graduated cylinder
- 12 oz plastic bottle with cap
Lesson 14: Types of Chemical Reactions
- Hydrogen peroxide (6% is ideal, but 3% will also work)
- 1 Packet (1 Tablespoon) dry yeast
- 25mL graduated cylinder
- Dish soap
- Food coloring
- Tray or baking sheet (something to catch the foam that overflows)
- 2 beakers
- Copper (II) sulfate
- Steel wool
- Sodium hydroxide
- Disposable pipettes
- Vinegar
Lesson 15: Solutions
- 25 mL graduated cylinder
- 2 – 100 mL beakers
- 250 mL beaker
- 3.00 g Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salts)
- 3.00 g Sodium carbonate (washing soda)
- Scale
Lesson 16: Acids and Bases
- pH paper
- 10 substances found around your house
Lesson 17: Nuclear Changes
- 128 pennies
- Jar with lid
Lesson 18: Exam 2 (No Lab)
More Lessons Coming Soon!
Level C: Additional Supplies
Student’s in Physical Science Explored PLUS will require a few additional supplies for certain lessons. Below is a list of supplies and links.
Lesson 5: Exploring Gas Laws
- 50 mL erlenmeyer flask
- Hot Plate
- Balloon
- 35 mL Syringe (without a needle)
- Small Marshmallow
- Empty Soda Can
- Tongs
- Bowl of Ice Water
- Graduated cylinder
Lesson 8: Stability and Types of Bonding
- 6 inch cotton swabs
- 2 beakers (or small glass bowls)
- Candle
- Lighter or matches
- Calcium chloride
- Copper chloride
- Potassium chloride
- Iron chloride
- Sodium chloride (table salt)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
Lesson 12: Names and Formulas for Molecular Compounds
- 2 glass bowls
- 4 grams borax
- White Elmer’s glue
- Plastic spoon
Lesson 15: Solutions
- Well plate
- Disposable pipettes
- Sodium carbonate
- Copper (II) sulfate
- Calcium chloride
- Sodium hydroxide
- Iron (III) chloride
- Sodium phosphate
- 6 pieces of glassware
- Water
Second semster supply list coming soon!
