Note that some schools may now be using a revised Year 7-8 syllabus which does not require laboratory equipment.
If you have any queries about items on this list, or you would like to get involved in helping science education in Vanuatu, please contact me.
Below is an exhaustive list of the materials included on the Junior Science workcards that Vanuatu schoolchildren follow as part of their curriculum. I compiled this list, in consultation with colleagues, while teaching science at Ranwadi College in Vanuatu in 2008.
This is an extremely long list, and schools could in fact cover more-or-less the same activities with a far smaller range of equipment if teachers were creative in devising substitutes and modifications. Unfortunately, many of those now teaching science in Vanuatu have no background or training in science teaching and are deeply unsure about the subject.
| Item |
Year |
Topics |
Notes |
| Alcohol |
7 |
Water |
May be available locally. Students must be warned that laboratory alcohol is poisonous and undrinkable! |
| Alum (potassium aluminium sulphate) |
7 |
Water |
Another substance that dissolves well could substitute. |
| Aluminium foil |
9 |
Energy |
| Ammeter |
10 |
Electricity |
A multi-meter would substitute. |
| Ammonia solution (dilute) |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another dilute alkali would substitute. |
| Antiseptics and disinfectants |
10 |
Health & Hygiene |
May be available locally. |
| Balance (lever-arm and top pan) |
7, 8 |
Measurement; Materials |
Ideally students should be given practice with both types of balance, but one type would be enough. |
| Balloon |
9 |
Energy; Particles; Forces |
For "Forces" activities it should be possible to connect the balloon to a pressure gauge. |
| Bar and gauge |
9 |
Particles |
For showing that a metal bar expands when it is heated. Substitutes might be found. |
| Bar magnets |
7, 8, 9 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Materials; Particles |
Should be wrapped in clingfilm so that stuck iron filings can easily be removed. At least three different magnets are needed. |
| Bathroom scales |
7, 9 |
Measurement; Forces |
| Batteries and holders (1.5 Volt) |
|
many topics |
Poor-quality non-rechargeable batteries are available locally, but rechargeables and a charger (solar powered in schools with no electricity) would be better. At least 3 batteries per group are needed for some activities. |
| Beakers (100 cm³, 250 cm³, 500 cm³, 1 litre) |
|
many topics |
Cups or glass jars could substitute in some experiments, but glass jars will crack if heated strongly. Tins might substitute in activities involving heat, but transparent containers would be better. 250 cm³ is the most useful size. |
| Beam balance |
7 |
Measurement |
Can be made using a clamp stand, a beam of wood and pair of dangling cups (see "Measurement 10" workcard). |
| Bean seeds |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
May be available locally |
| Bell |
8 |
Sound |
Another source of sound would substitute. |
| Bell in a jar apparatus |
8 |
Sound |
For demonstrating that sound cannot travel through a vacuum. Requires a vacuum pump |
| Bent piece of metal |
8 |
Measurement |
Any object that can be placed in a beaker of water would substitute. |
| Bicycle pump |
9 |
Forces |
| Blindfold |
8 |
Materials; Sound |
Easily made from a piece of cloth |
| Blocks of different materials (wax, iron, polystyrene, aluminium, lead, brass, marble, different types of wood) |
7, 8 |
Measurement; Materials |
The materials needn't be exactly the same as those on the suggested list, but should have a range of densities (heavy and light) and conductivities (insulators and conductors). Many materials are available locally. |
| Blue cobalt chloride paper |
8 |
Materials |
Degrades rapidly in humid conditions. Must be stored in a dry, well-sealed container, ideally with a moisture-absorbing substance. White copper sulphate might be used a substitute (see "Water 1" workcard). |
| Boiling tube |
8 |
Heat & Air |
A boiling tube is a large heatproof test tube. |
| Boric acid |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another acid would substitute. |
| Bottle (large) |
9 |
Forces |
Must withstand pressure. |
| Bourdon gauge |
9 |
Forces |
For measuring pressure. A barometer might substitute if the air inlet can be attached to a tube. |
| Bowl (large) |
8 |
Materials |
Available locally |
| Box (5 x 5 x 5 cm) |
8 |
Measurement |
Could be made locally. |
| Brass screw |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Another small object made of a non-magnetic metal would substitute. |
| Brass squares |
9 |
Forces |
Other small weights would substitute. At least 12 per group are needed. |
| Bricks |
9 |
Forces |
Available locally. Large, flat-bottomed stones could substitute. |
| Bubble mixture |
8 |
Light |
Can be made from soapy water |
| Buffer |
9 |
Energy |
A spring that a rolling truck bounces off. Could be made locally. |
| Bulldog clip |
9 |
Forces |
Substitutes could easily be found. |
| Bunsen burner |
|
many topics |
Availability of gas is a problem in some schools. A spirit burner or candle can substitute in some, though not all, practicals. |
| Candle |
|
many topics |
Available locally |
| Carbon dioxide gas |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Can be made by reacting carbonates (including chalk, crushed limestone or baking powder) with an acid (see "Measurement 15" worksheet). |
| Carbon rods |
8, 9 |
Materials; Particles |
Metal rods should not be used as a substitute as they will corrode |
| Cardboard |
7 |
Measurement; Magnetism & Electricity |
Available locally (from old boxes) |
| Cassette player with cassettes of musical instruments and of everyday noises |
8 |
Sound |
| Centimetre cubes |
7, 8, 9 |
Measurement; Forces |
Could possibly be made locally from wood, though it is important that the masses of the blocks are the same. At least 125 blocks per group are needed for some activities. |
| Ceramic tile |
8 |
Materials |
A board made of wood or glass would substitute |
| Chlorine gas |
8, 9 |
Materials; Particles |
Ways of making chlorine gas include mixing hydrochloric acid + hypochlorite bleach, or concentrated hydrochloric acid + potassium permanganate. Chlorine is highly dangerous and untrained science teachers might be best advised not to work with it. The activity making copper chloride can be done by putting copper in hydrochloric acid instead (the solution will turn blue from the presence of copper chloride). |
| Circuit board |
7, 10 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Electricity |
A board that electrical components can be slotted onto. Could possibly be made locally. Not essential if battery holders are available. |
| Clamp stand |
7, 8, 9 |
many topics |
Hand-held test tube holders could substitute in some (though not all) experiments. |
| Clear plastic box with lid |
9 |
Particles |
Substitutes could easily be found. |
| Cloth |
|
many topics |
Available locally. |
| Coconut oil |
7 |
Water |
Available locally. Another type of oil would substitute. |
| Colouring pencils |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Can also be used for making posters etc in other topics. |
| Coloured gas |
9 |
Particles |
'Brown gas' (nitrous oxide) is suggested, but smoke (which is much safer) might substitute. |
| Coloured water |
7 |
Water |
Can be coloured with ink or paint. Clear water can be used but is harder to see. |
| Combustion spoon |
8 |
Heat & Air |
This is a metal spoon stuck through a test-tube stopper. Could easily be made. |
| Compass (magnetic) |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Students must be warned not to touch compasses against magnets as this might stop them working properly. |
| Concave lens |
8 |
Light |
| Conical flask |
|
many topics |
A glass bottle could substitute in some experiments but might crack if heated too strongly |
| Connectors |
10 |
Electricity |
Metal strips for connecting electrical components. May not be needed, depending on the type of equipment used. |
| Convex lens |
8 |
Light |
Two different thicknesses (thick & thin) are needed. |
| Copper metal |
7, 9 |
Water; Energy |
| Copper chloride |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Particles |
| Copper foil |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Particles |
| Copper nitrate |
9 |
Particles |
Another substance that breaks down to produce a gas when heated would substitute. |
| Copper oxide |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Another inert substance might substitute |
| Copper strip |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Another inert metal might substitute |
| Copper sulphate |
7, 8 |
Water; Heat & Air |
White copper sulphate will slowly absorb water and turn blue in humid conditions, but can be changed back into the dry white form by heating. A different type of hydrated salt (which changes colour as it dries) might substitute in some experiments. |
| Cork (large and flat) |
7, 8, 9 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Sound; Energy |
Another piece of soft material could substitute. |
| Corn seeds |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
May be available locally. Other types of seed might substitute. |
| Cotton thread |
7 |
Measurement; Water |
Available locally |
| Cotton wool |
7, 8 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development; Sound |
Tissue paper might substitute. |
| Crucible with lid |
8 |
Heat & Air |
| Dark coloured paper |
8 |
Light |
Must not let light through. Cardboard could be used instead. |
| Different surfaces (carpet, tile, sandpaper, etc) |
9 |
Forces |
For demonstrating friction. The surfaces needn't be the same as those on the list. |
| Distilled water |
7, 8, 9 |
many topics |
Collected rainwater can be used as a substitute. |
| Drawer knob |
8 |
Measurement |
Any object that can be placed in a beaker of water would substitute. |
| Drawing pin |
9 |
Forces |
Another type of pin with a flat end would substitute. |
| Dried peas |
9 |
Particles |
Marbles or local seeds could substitute. |
| Drinking glass |
8, 9 |
Measurement; Forces |
Available locally. Must have a smooth rim with no spout. |
| Drinking straws |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
| Dropper (teat pipette) |
|
many topics |
In some experiments, chemicals could be dripped from the end of a glass rod instead (see "Water 1" workcard). For squirting water, an empty pen case can be used (see "Water 6" workcard). |
| Dye |
9 |
Particles |
Must spread only slowly through water. |
| Elastic luggage cord |
9 |
Forces |
Substitutes might be found. |
| Electric bell |
10 |
Energy |
| Empty cotton reel |
7, 9 |
Water; Energy |
Another small plastic object would substitute in the Water experiment. |
| Ethanoic acid |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another weak acid would substitute. |
| 'Eureka can' |
8 |
Measurement |
A waterproof container with a spout. Could easily be made locally. |
| Evaporating dish |
7, 9 |
Water; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
A crucible or other heatproof container would substitute. |
| Filter paper |
|
many topics |
Ordinary paper might substitute but is not ideal for filtering (writing paper has a water-resistant coating). |
| Flower whose petals act as natural acid/alkali indicator |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
| Force meters / Newton meters (0 to 1N, 0 to 10N, 0 to 50N) |
7, 9 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Forces |
Meters that a force can be hung from are most useful, but for some of the "Forces" activities, meters that a force can be pushed down onto are needed. Weighing scales would substitute if they are re-labelled in Newtons (100g = 1N) |
| Four nails in a wooden block |
8 |
Sound |
Can be made locally. |
| French chalk |
9 |
Forces |
Chalk dust collected from under the blackboard, or baking powder, could substitute. |
| Funnels |
7, 8 |
many topics |
Can be made from the cut-off neck of a plastic bottle. |
| G-clamp |
8 |
Sound |
Alternative ways of fastening equipment might be found. |
| Gas jars with glass lid |
8, 9 |
Materials, Particles |
An ordinary glass jar might substitute in some practicals. However, chlorine gas may corrode metal lids. |
| Gauze mat |
|
many topics |
| Gelatine |
9 |
Particles |
Must be kept in a sealed, dry container. Food jelly could substitute. |
| Glass block |
8 |
Light |
A transparent plastic block would do if it bent light in the same way as glass |
| Glass jars |
7, 8 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development; Heat & Air |
Available locally. Beakers can be used a substitute. Two different sizes are needed. |
| Glass prism |
8 |
Light |
A transparent plastic prism would do if it bent light in the same way as glass. At least two prisms per group are needed for some activities. |
| Glass rod |
|
many topics |
A dropper could be used for dripping liquids. A metal spoon can be used for stirring mixtures, but will be corroded by acids. |
| Glass tubing |
|
many topics |
Should fit snugly through holes in test-tube stoppers |
| Glue |
|
many topics |
For sticking paper. Available locally. |
| Graph paper (with centimetre squares) |
8, 9 |
Measurement; Forces |
| Hammer |
8 |
Materials |
Can be borrowed from the school handyman. |
| Hand-operated generator |
9 |
Energy |
| Heater |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Another very hot object, such as stone heated in a fire, would substitute. |
| Heatproof mat |
|
many topics |
Substitutes could be found or made locally |
| Heatproof screen with hole |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Could be made locally |
| Hydrochloric acid |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Energy; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another acid would substitute in some experiments. |
| Ice |
7 |
Measurement; Water |
Difficult to get unless the school or village store happens to have a freezer and a means of powering it. |
| Iodine solution |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
Can be made by dissolving iodine crystals in potassium iodide solution (iodine will not dissolve in pure water). |
| Iron filings |
7, 8, 9 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Water; Materials; Particles |
| Iron nail |
7, 8, 9 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Sound; Forces |
Available locally |
| Jar of peas |
8 |
Sound |
Anything else that makes a rattling noise would substitute. |
| Kerosene |
7 |
Water |
Available locally. Another kind of fuel oil would substitute. |
| Knife |
|
many topics |
For cutting plastic, cardboard and bamboo. Available locally. |
| Labels |
|
many topics |
Can be made with paper and glue. |
| Lemon juice |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another acidic juice would substitute. |
| Lens holder |
8 |
Light |
For holding a lens upright. Plasticine could be used instead. |
| Lever and pivot |
9 |
Forces |
Should be marked in equal steps (see "Forces 9" worksheet). |
| Light bulbs and holders |
|
many topics |
Replacement bulbs of types commonly used in torches are currently available locally, but may become less widely available in future as LED torches spread. At least four bulbs per group are needed for some activities. |
| Light bulb with broken filament |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
An old burned out bulb will do for this. |
| Light bulb with glass removed |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Can be made locally from a normal bulb |
| Lime water |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Made by dissolving a small amount of calcium hydroxide in water. |
| Liquid soap |
9 |
Forces |
Available locally. |
| Litmus paper |
8, 9 |
Materials; Particles |
To demonstrate how chlorine gas bleaches colours. This can be done using a red hibiscus flower instead. |
| Long bamboo |
8 |
Sound |
Available locally. For making pan pipes; a ready-made set of pan pipes could be demonstrated as an alternative. |
| Long cardboard tubes |
8 |
Sound |
Long plastic tubes might substitute. |
| Magnesium ribbon |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air, Energy |
Corrodes rapidly in hot, damp conditions; teachers should be advised to rub it with sandpaper to clean off the oxidised layer before use in sensitive experiments. Zinc can be used a substitute when making a battery (as in "Energy 2" worksheet) but gives less power, probably not enough to light a bulb. |
| Magnifying glass / hand lens |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Water |
A plain convex lens could be used. |
| Marbles |
9 |
Energy; Particles |
Other small balls could be used instead. |
| Marble chips |
7, 8 |
Water; Heat & Air |
Crushed chalk or limestone can be used instead. |
| Marble track |
9 |
Energy |
A U-shaped track that a marble rolls down and then back up again. Could be made locally. |
| Matches |
|
many topics |
Available locally |
| Measuring cylinders (10 cm³, 100 cm³, 250 cm³) |
|
many topics |
A size in between 10 cm³ and 100 cm³ would also be useful. |
| Metal block |
9 |
Forces |
| Metal nut |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Another small metal object would substitute |
| Metal rods (copper & iron) |
8 |
Materials; Sound |
Other metals might be useable, if there are two metals of different conductivity |
| Metal screen |
8 |
Sound |
For reflecting sound. The metal sheet used in "Heat & Air" could be used here. |
| Metal sheet with blackened side and polished side |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Could perhaps be made locally |
| Metal shoe |
9 |
Forces |
A flat sheet of metal with a lip, on which a brick can be dragged along. |
| Metal tins |
7, 8, 9 |
Water; Heat & Air; Energy |
Available locally |
| Methylene blue dye |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
Other dyes might substitute |
| Microscope and glass slides with cover slips |
7, 8 |
Water; Reproduction, Growth & Development; Materials |
Cavity slides (with a dimple for holding liquid) are called for in one of the experiment, but in general flat slides are OK. |
| Mirrors (flat) |
8 |
Light |
At least four small mirrors and one large mirror are needed. |
| Model boat |
9 |
Energy |
Can be made locally from wood. |
| Model of a lung |
9 |
Human body |
Can be made from balloons inside a large container. |
| Model truck |
9 |
Forces |
Can be made locally from wood with old tins for wheels. |
| Mortar and pestle |
7 |
Water |
Alternatively, substances could be crushed under the back of a spoon. |
| Mounted needle |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
An ordinary needle might substitute |
| Night lights (small candles) |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Cut-down pieces of ordinary candles (available locally) would substitute |
| Nylon thread |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Fishing line or similar thread could be used. |
| Oil |
8, 9 |
Light; Particles; Forces |
Available locally |
| Oxygen gas |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Can be made by mixing hydrogen peroxide with manganese dioxide, or in other ways. |
| Paperclips |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Should be made of steel (so they stick to a magnet) |
| Particle models |
9 |
Particles |
Showing the spacing of particles in a solid, a liquid and a gas. Could be made locally, or diagrams in books could substitute. |
| Party squeaker |
9 |
Forces |
The kind that unrolls when blown. |
| Pendulum |
9 |
Energy |
Can easily be made from a weight hanging from a piece of string. |
| Plastic box |
8 |
Sound |
An old margarine container could be used |
| Plastic button |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Available locally. Another small plastic object would suffice. |
| Petri dish |
|
many topics |
A beaker or other container could be used as a substitute |
| pH indicator (Universal indicator) and colour chart |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Ideally both indicator paper and indicator liquid should be available, but one could substitute for the other. |
| Pin or needle |
|
many topics |
Should be made of iron so it can be magnetised. |
| Plasticine |
|
many topics |
Blu-tack may also be useful. |
| Polystyrene cup |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Another type of cup could be used as a substitute if well-insulated. |
| Polystyrene ball or table tennis ball |
8 |
Sound |
The ball removed from an empty deodorant stick might substitute. |
| Polystyrene balls |
9 |
Particles; Forces |
Round seeds could substitute. |
| Polythene bag |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Available locally |
| Potassium chloride |
7 |
Water |
Another chemical that dissolves in water could be used a substitute. |
| Potassium dichromate (potassium chromate (VII)) |
7 |
Water |
Other salts might substitute. |
| Potassium nitrate |
7 |
Water |
Another substance that dissolves well could be used a substitute. |
| Potassium permanganate (potassium manganate [VII]) crystals |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Materials; Particles |
Useful for investigating solutions because it dissolves to produce a very strongly coloured solution; another strongly coloured substance might substitute in this experiment. |
| Prepared microscope slide of root tip |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
| Puck |
9 |
Forces |
For sliding along a table. A jar lid could substitute. |
| Pulleys |
9 |
Forces |
Two single pulleys and a double pulley are needed. |
| Ray box |
8 |
Light |
A box containing a light source with slits through which narrow beams of light emerge. Single slits and triple slits are needed. Could perhaps be made locally. |
| Resistance wire |
10 |
Electricity |
Another piece of material with moderate electrical resistance might substitute. Two thicknesses (thick & thin) are needed. |
| Rock salt |
7 |
Water |
Substitute 'rock salt' could perhaps be made by leaving dirty sea water to evaporate |
| Rotor |
9 |
Energy |
A small wheel with blades, turned by a jet of steam. Could be made locally. |
| Round-bottomed flask |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Particles |
A glass bottle or conical flask might substitute |
| Rubber |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Another small non-conducting object would substitute |
| Rubber bands |
|
many topics |
Rubber bands degrade in tropical conditions. Things can be fastened with string as an alternative. |
| Rubber tubing |
|
many topics |
| Ruler (30 cm, 1 metre) |
|
many topics |
Ordinary school rulers are available locally. |
| Safety glasses |
|
many topics |
| Salt (sodium chloride) |
7, 9 |
Water; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Available locally. |
| Samples of different solids (glass, marble, rubber, wax, ice, foam rubber and metals) |
9 |
Particles |
Most of these be found locally. The types of solid need not be exactly the same as those on the list. |
| Samples of different liquids (lemonade, ink, water) |
9 |
Particles |
Available locally. The types of liquid need not be exactly the same as those on the list. |
| Samples of different gases (air, chlorine, oxygen) |
9 |
Particles |
Available locally. The types of gas need not be exactly the same as those on the list. |
| Samples of different fabrics (cotton, wool, silk, nylon, rayon, polyester) |
8 |
Materials |
Pieces of different fabrics could be obtained locally from old clothing etc, but teachers may have difficulty identifying the different types. |
| Samples of different metals (copper, lead, zinc, iron, brass, nickel, aluminium) |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
The types of metal needn't be exactly the same as those suggested, but iron must definitely be included. |
| Samples of different types of paper (newspaper, toilet paper, writing paper) |
8 |
Materials |
Available locally |
| Samples of different plastics (four out of: polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene, perspex, acrylic, nylon and polypropylene) |
8 |
Materials |
Pieces of different plastics could be obtained locally from old food containers (many have a small label on the bottom showing the type of plastic) and other rubbish. |
| Sand |
7, 9 |
Water; Reproduction, Growth & Development; Particles |
Available locally |
| Scalpel |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
A small knife might substitute but does not cut as finely as a scalpel. |
| Scissors |
|
many topics |
For cutting paper and plastic. Available locally. |
| Screwdriver |
9 |
Force |
For removing the lid from a jar. A strong spoon or spatula could substitute. |
| Sea water |
7 |
Water |
Available locally |
| Small clean stones |
7 |
Water |
Available locally |
| Small iron block with hook |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Could be made from an old tin. |
| Small truck |
9 |
Energy |
Must roll freely. Could be made using a block of wood with empty tins for wheels. |
| Soap |
9 |
Energy; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Available locally. Also useful for washing hands after dirty activities. |
| Sodium hydroxide solution |
9, 10 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts; Energy |
In the "Energy 2" worksheet, magnesium or powdered zinc (which also react with hydrochloric acid to give off heat) would substitute. In the "Acids, Alkalis & Salts 4" worksheet, another strong alkali would substitute. |
| Spatulas |
|
many topics |
The end of a small knife or the handle of a spoon might substitute but is not ideal |
| Spoons (plastic and metal) |
8 |
Materials |
Metal spoons are available locally. |
| Springs |
9 |
Forces |
Activities require springs that can compress, and springs that can stretch, when a force of a few Newtons is applied. |
| Steel tacks |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
Other types of pin could substitute, if they stick to a magnet. |
| Sticky tape |
8 |
many topics |
In activities where sticky tape is used to mark water levels on beakers, marker pen would substitute. |
| Stomach powder (indigestion remedy) |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Baking powder could substitute. |
| Stop-clock |
|
many topics |
A wristwatch with a stopwatch function could substitute, but is not ideal (they often confuse younger students). |
| Stoppers (for test tubes) |
|
many topics |
Stoppers with and without holes are needed. |
| String |
|
many topics |
Available locally |
| Sugar |
7, 8, 9 |
Water; Heat & Air; Acids, Alkalis & Salts; Particles |
Available locally |
| Suction pad |
9 |
Forces |
| Sulphur (powdered) |
8, 9 |
Materials; Particles |
| Sulphuric acid (dilute) |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another strong acid would substitute. |
| Swanee whistle |
8 |
Sound |
| Switch |
7, 10 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Electricity |
Can be made locally from bent pieces of metal that are pressed together to make contact. |
| Syringes (10 cm³) |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts; Particles; Forces |
For dispensing solutions a millilitre at a time. Pipettes with marks showing the volume could be used instead. |
| T-piece |
9 |
Forces |
For connecting three pipes. |
| Tank |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
For keeping tadpoles |
| Tape measure (metric) |
7, 8 |
Measurement; Sound |
| Test tubes |
|
many topics |
At least six per group are needed for some activities. |
| Test tube holder |
8, 9 |
Heat & Air; Particles |
For holding test tubes over heat. Substitutes could be made/found. |
| Test tube rack |
|
many topics |
Can be made locally. Test tubes can be held up in beakers as an alternative. |
| Thermometer (0 - 100°C) |
|
many topics |
| Thistle funnel |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Alternatives could be made/found |
| Tin with lid |
9 |
Forces |
For demonstrating the use of a lever to lift a lid. Available locally. |
| Toilet paper |
|
many topics |
Available locally |
| Tongs |
|
many topics |
| Torch |
8 |
Light |
Available locally |
| Tray |
|
many topics |
Should be capable of holding water. For light experiments, a transparent tray is needed. A tray divided into three compartments would be useful for the "Particles 4" worksheet. As well as being used in experiments, trays are useful for organising equipment. |
| Tripod |
|
many topics |
| Tubes |
8 |
Sound |
Different thicknesses and lengths are needed: long & thin, short & fat, short & thin. |
| Tuning forks |
8 |
Sound |
At least three different pitches are needed. |
| Tweezers / forceps |
|
many topics |
Some of the activities requiring tweezers could be done with fingers. |
| Variable resistor |
10 |
Electricity |
| Vermiculite or sawdust |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
For growing seeds. Other materials might substitute. |
| Vinegar |
7, 9 |
Water; Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Available locally. Another dilute acid would substitute. |
| Voltmeter |
10 |
Electricity |
A multi-meter would substitute. |
| Watch glass |
7 |
many topics |
A Petri dish or glass beaker or jar could substitute in some practicals. |
| Water level apparatus |
7 |
Water |
Consists of several containers of different shapes linked by tubes, to show that the water level is the same in each. |
| Water manometer |
9 |
Forces |
For measuring pressure. A barometer might substitute if the air inlet can be attached to a tube. |
| Waterproof ink and paintbrush |
7 |
Reproduction, Growth & Development |
For marking growing roots. A very thin waterproof marker pen might substitute but must be used very gently so as not to cause damage. |
| Wax |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Available locally from melted candles |
| Weights (1 g, 100 g, 1 kg) |
|
many topics |
A large number of the smaller weights are required. Could perhaps be made locally. The "Forces" activities require 100g masses slotted onto a hanger, but masses hanging in a bag could substitute. |
| Whistle |
8 |
Sound |
Another source of sound would substitute. |
| White screen |
8 |
Light |
A piece of paper or card will do. |
| Windmill |
9 |
Energy |
Turned by a jet of air from a balloon. Could be made from folded paper pinned onto a stick. |
| Wind-up toy car |
9 |
Energy |
Another type of wind-up toy would substitute |
| Wire (thin copper) |
7, 8 |
Magnetism & Electricity; Light |
| Wires with crocodile clips |
|
many topics |
Clips are not needed if a large and enthusiastic group of students each holds a different part of a circuit, but this is not ideal! At least four per group are needed for some activities. |
| Wooden blocks |
8 |
Heat & Air; Sound; Measurement |
Available locally. A range of sizes and shapes are needed. |
| Wooden board (large) |
8 |
Sound |
For blocking sounds |
| Wooden lever |
9 |
Forces |
A stiff piece of wood from which masses can be hung at different points. |
| Wooden ramp |
9 |
Forces |
For pulling a kilogram weight up. Substitutes could easily be found. |
| Wooden rod that fits inside syringe |
9 |
Particles |
Can be made locally. |
| Wooden rollers |
9 |
Forces |
Available locally. Round pencils could substitute. |
| Wooden splint |
|
many topics |
For lighting Bunsen burners. A local twig or piece of coconut frond could substitute. |
| Wooden square (3 x 3 cm) |
8 |
Measurement |
Exact size is not important. Can be made locally. |
| Wooden stand |
7 |
Magnetism & Electricity |
For suspending a magnet. Substitutes could easily be found, although steel clamp stands are not suitable because they will attract the magnet. |
| Xylophone and hammer |
8 |
Sound |
| Zinc oxide |
8 |
Heat & Air |
Another inert substance might substitute. |
| Zinc sulphate |
9 |
Acids, Alkalis & Salts |
Another salt would substitute |