When you land your first teaching job, find yourself on a new campus, or embark upon a new grade level or subject area in teaching, the excitement can be exhilarating! But soon reality sets in and the questions begin. If that new teaching job is in science, then those questions are only compounded…. “What supplies will I need?” “What equipment will my classroom or science lab have?” “How will I handle safety during activities?” “Where do I even begin?!?!”
I was once a first-time science teacher, and I can promise you that I was in those same shoes. Not knowing where to begin, what I would need to get me started, and where to go to find the right materials. To make matters more stressful, I was entering into the land of middle school science. That’s right… MIDDLE. SCHOOL. The ages where TikTok sets the trends and common sense goes right out the window! I knew it would be important to have a well-equipped classroom to effectively teach, engage, and keep behavior under control. So, I have compiled a list (and a few links) to supplies, equipment, as well as a few other thoughts and suggestions to hopefully make your preparations a little easier, get you ready to support your teaching and engage your students from the very first day:
Lab Equipment and Supplies:
Microscopes and magnifiers: Basic compound microscopes for examining microscopic specimens and/or handheld magnifiers for making up close observations. (24 Pack Plastic Magnifier, Mini Magnifying Glass, https://amzn.to/3oXiu9Y )
Glassware: Beakers, test tubes, graduated cylinders, and pipettes for conducting experiments and measuring liquids. (Karter Scientific Glass Beaker Set, https://amzn.to/45SiRTL )
Safety Equipment: Safety goggles, lab coats/aprons, gloves, and a first aid kit. (Certified Kids Safety glasses, Kids goggles, Scratch, Impact and Ballistic Resistant Safety Goggles, https://amzn.to/3P4Rjo7 )
Magnets: Bar magnets, horseshoe magnets, and magnetic compasses for teaching magnetism. (hand2mind Red Ceramic Bar Magnets, https://amzn.to/45T4C18 )
Thermometers: To measure temperature during experiments and investigations. (LEARNING ADVANTAGE Student Thermometers - Set of 10, https://amzn.to/3qD7oHK )
pH Paper or pH Meters: For testing acidity or alkalinity of substances. (pH.1-14 Test Paper Extensive Test Paper Litmus Test Paper 240 Strips, https://amzn.to/3J5CCxy )
Classroom Supplies:
Whiteboard: Essential for teaching and demonstrating concepts. (Scribbledo White Board Dry Erase Boards Classroom Pack, https://amzn.to/3NkeTuW )
Dry-erase Markers or Washable Chalk-markers: Writing tools for the whiteboard, chalkboard, or lab tables. (EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 16 Pack, https://amzn.to/3pe3TH9 )
Poster Paper and Markers: For creating visuals, charts, and diagrams. (Mr. Sketch® Watercolor Markers, https://amzn.to/42F4q2E )
Reference Books: Science textbooks, science encyclopedias, and reference materials. (MUST HAVE: Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide (Big Fat Notebooks), https://amzn.to/3qNj9LE )
Safety Posters: Display posters illustrating safety rules and procedures. (NewPath Learning Safety in The Lab Bulletin Board Charts, https://amzn.to/3JhcX53 )
Organizational Tools: Storage containers, trays, and shelves to keep supplies organized. (3 Tier Mesh Utility Cart, https://amzn.to/3X8RFwd )
Student Materials: notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, and rulers for students.
Visual Aids and Demonstrations:
Models and Kits: Use models to demonstrate complex concepts like the solar system or human anatomy. (Evotech Human Body, https://amzn.to/444bh6L )
Interactive Demonstrations: Digital resources or physical models to engage students during lessons. (Sunlight on Earth & Moon - Solar Eclipse Demonstration, https://amzn.to/43Qgy2b )
Posters and Charts: Visual aids displaying scientific concepts, periodic table, scientific method, etc.
Science Videos: Develop a list of sites for educational science videos that can help illustrate concepts or showcase virtual experiments. (“It’s Ok To Be Smart” is a great series!)
Technology and Software:
Computers and Projectors: Use for multimedia presentations and access to online resources.
Interactive Whiteboard or Interactive Display: Allows for interactive lessons and engaging activities.
Educational Software: Science-related educational software or interactive simulations. (Nearpod.com and Phet Lab simulations are both great resources to get you started!)
Internet Access: Reliable internet connectivity to access online resources, research, and educational websites.
Safety and Cleanliness:
Safety Equipment: Fire extinguisher, safety shower, eyewash station, and fire blanket.
Cleaning Supplies: Disinfectants, paper towels, and cleaning materials for maintaining a clean lab environment.
Professional Development:
Science Journals and Magazines: Stay updated on current scientific research and educational practices. (Try Sciencenews.org )
Professional Memberships: Consider joining science teacher associations or organizations for resources and networking opportunities. (National organizations like NSTA, or your state science teacher association like FAST – Florida Association of Science Teachers)
Online Communities: Participate in online forums or communities to connect with fellow science teachers and exchange ideas.
Remember, this is just a starting point, and you can tailor your supplies based on the specific grade level, curriculum, topics, and experiments you'll be teaching. Consult with your school or district for any specific requirements or guidelines they may have. As the school year takes on a life of it's own, you will begin to have new ideas and great student projects to add to your décor. Don’t be afraid to ask those veteran teachers around you for ideas as well. You are going to ROCK this new teaching journey!
Do you have any great supplies, equipment, and resources that help you get started down your path to teaching science? Share in comments below!