Homeschool Science Laboratory Supplies

One real issue that plagues many homeschooling families, especially in the high school grades, is that of finding laboratory supplies for science lessons. Homeschool chemistry can get quite expensive, and finding homeschool science tools for chemistry lessons can make the homeschool material budget balloon when students begin advanced science lessons.

Before talking about Chemistry and all the big kid science stuff, let me introduce to you the Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Colorful Crystal Lab. It will let you explore the natural beauty and wonder of crystals by growing them yourself in many different shapes and colors. Set up your lab base station, this is the headquarters for all of your crystal growing experiments. It comes complete with beakers, test tubes, Petri dishes, tweezers, centrifuge, display dome, and more. You can conduct more than ten experiments in crystal formation using safe, non-toxic crystal salts. Once you’ve used all of the materials from the kit, you can continue using the lab station and equipment using common materials from around your home. You’ll love experimenting with the Ooze Labs Colorful Crystal Lab!

Save Money on Homeschool Chemistry Lessons

One way to save money on a chemistry curriculum, and learn more in the process, is by using free downloadable vintage chemistry textbooks and lab guides. The modern chemistry curriculum is influenced by liability insurance regulations and bans on chemicals that were once readily available. In the 1950s, for example, chemistry sets offered children the opportunity to make small explosives and other dangerous things, while modern chemistry sets allow children to make play dough or green slime. Homeschooled kids generally do these activities already, and the “dumbing down” of science kits and chemistry sets may be one reason the US schools have trouble with science.

Homeschool Chemistry Lab Supplies

When a chemistry laboratory activity calls for specific chemicals or supplies, begin by researching the practical modern uses for each chemical. When choosing supplies, take into consideration supplies even down to the type of marker you use to label any items that have to be observed for a period of time. Not just any marker is ok to use if the sample will be frozen, you need to make sure you are using an ethanol proof marker, as this will keep writing clear even in the harshest of conditions. So, be sure to do your research on all supplies you need so you don’t have to buy multiple items in the same category. Sites like Wikipedia may be a starting point for research, but since they’re edited by the public, don’t let the information found here be a final source of facts. University science websites and sites with a .gov or .edu extension are more reliable sources of information.

Brush up on Research Skills for Science Lab Supplies

Discovering, for example, that sodium hydroxide is a common grease-cutting ingredient found in drain cleaners should lead an investigator to find sources of sodium hydroxide-based drain cleaners. Don’t settle for products that simply “contain” the chemical needed, because other chemicals can interfere with the experiment. Continue searching and discover that sodium hydroxide is also called “Lye” and soap-making crafters recommend the Red Devil brand, which is available in most US grocery stores and drug stores. Finding practical uses for chemicals may help in tracking them down. Chemicals may be found at the swimming pool store, the garden supply store, the home improvement warehouse, the photo laboratory, or other places one might not think to look.

Please remember that all harmful chemicals should be kept in a safe place.  Storemasta cabinets are a good way to keep chemicals safe. Storemasta cabinets have more space for storing items and also have locks on the doors. The cabinets come in a variety of sizes, so you can get one that’s just the right size for your lab. Storemasta cabinets can be sturdy and strong without being too heavy, which makes them easier to move around as necessary. They come in a number of colors, so you can choose a Storemasta cabinet that will go well with the color scheme of your lab. Storemasta cabinets come with shelves that can be adjusted, so you can choose to have your Storemasta cabinet just the right height for your purposes. The number one thing to know about experimenting is to be safe!

Shopping for Science Supplies Online

In the US, the Department of Transportation regulates which chemicals may be shipped. Caustic, flammable, or dangerous chemicals used in the production of meth or to make bombs are difficult to distribute. Shippers must follow strict rules regarding how to package, label, and record sales of these substances. When ordering potentially dangerous items online, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Consumers may be required to purchase additional items, order specific quantities, or pay extra fees for the transporting of dangerous chemicals.

Homeschool Science Laboratory Safety

As with any other supplies for homeschool lessons, be sure to order early in the year to avoid last-minute scrounging around for supplies. Store all chemicals safely, generally in a cool, dry place. Be sure that all laboratory supplies are cleaned up at the end of the activity, and kept away from younger siblings.

High school chemistry doesn’t have to be boring or break the bank. To make lessons more exciting, try integrating lab activities from vintage science texts, before dumbing-down became commonplace, especially for hands-on learners. Be resourceful in finding difficult laboratory supplies. Begin by finding modern uses for chemicals and then executing an exhaustive search for pure chemicals used in the industry. Involving teens in the pursuit of chemicals for lab supplies is a lesson in research and creativity, as well as high school science.