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Lab Materials

All the equipment and consumables required for Axiom Science labs are listed below. Click the tabs to view either the materials required for each individual lab, or all the materials required for the whole course.

It looks like a long list, but most of the items are very common household products, and can be found in any large grocery store. There are a few inexpensive specialist items that can be purchased at online retailers such as Amazon (e.g. universal indicator paper, chromatography paper).
If you prefer, you can download a complete list of all the equipment and consumables needed for Axiom Science labs. Download Complete Chemistry List 🡕

Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to any of the substances used in the labs should exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider before participating in lab activities.

EQUIPMENT

  • Insulated polystyrene beakers, larger than 100ml
  • Thermometer
  • Stirring rod or spoon
  • Glass or beaker, larger than 150ml
  • Digital weighing scale (ideally with 0.01 g increments)
  • Measuring jug
  • Means of heating water, e.g. small pan on stove

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Ice
  • Plain salt

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Vegetable oil
  • Isopropyl alcohol (i.e. Rubbing alcohol)
  • Nail polish remover
  • Sugar
  • Epsom salts

ALTERNATIVES

This lab could be completed with tap water and any type of edible salt. Coarse salt crystals will take longer to dissolve than finer ones, and are therefore best avoided.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Two identical transparent beakers or glasses
  • Timer
  • Means of warming water, e.g. small pan on stove

CONSUMABLES

  • Water
  • Liquid food coloring

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Chilled water
  • Different colors or brands of liquid food coloring

ALTERNATIVES

The lab could be completed with water-based colored liquids other than food coloring, such as colored vinegar, beetroot pickling liquid, or clear fruit juice.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab is quick to set up, but should be periodically observed during a two hour period.

EQUIPMENT

  • Tall glass or beaker
  • Skewer
  • Paperclip
  • Pencil
  • Ruler

CONSUMABLES

  • Non-washable colored ink (ideally including brown and black)
  • Chromatography paper (filter paper can be used, but the results will be less good)

ALTERNATIVES

If non-washable colored inks cannot be obtained, the student could complete the optional extension instead of the main lab.

If neither chromatography paper nor filter paper are available, then other absorbent paper (such as paper hand towels) could be used, but the results are likely to be significantly less clear.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • M&Ms®
  • Skittles®
  • Small paint brush
  • Watercolor paints
  • Inks
  • Pastels
  • Isopropyl alcohol (i.e. rubbing alcohol)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Chilled water

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session, but the paper will take several hours to dry.

EQUIPMENT

  • Beaker
  • Funnel
  • Small pan
  • Stove

CONSUMABLES

  • Mixture of 3 tsp plain salt and 3 tsp sand (approximate amounts)
  • Distilled water
  • Filter paper

ALTERNATIVES

Tap water could be used instead of distilled water.

Any type of salt can be used (though coarse salt crystals are best avoided as they take longer to dissolve).

Tiny pieces of a non-soluble solid (such as iron filings or very fine gravel) could be used rather than sand. The pieces should not be large enough to be picked out by hand.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Oven
  • Oven mitts or gloves
  • Heatproof surface
  • Spoon
  • Timer
  • Two heatproof plates
  • Digital weighing scale (ideally with 0.01 g increments)

CONSUMABLES

  • Baking soda (i.e. bicarbonate of soda)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Muffin tray and cases
  • All-purpose flour (or plain flour)
  • Cornmeal or polenta
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Baking powder

ALTERNATIVES

There is no substitute for sodium bicarbonate (sold as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda) in this lab.

EQUIPMENT

  • Balloon
  • 500ml plastic bottle
  • Measuring jug
  • 0.25 tsp measuring spoon

CONSUMABLES

  • Baking soda (i.e. bicarbonate of soda)
  • Vinegar

ALTERNATIVES

There is no substitute for sodium bicarbonate (sold as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda) in this lab.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Stove
  • Microwave oven
  • Small pan
  • Microwavable beaker
  • Thermometer
  • Stirring rod or spoon
  • Measuring jug or similar
  • Heatproof glass
  • Refrigerator
  • Small beaker
  • 0.5 tsp measuring spoon
  • 1 tbsp measuring spoon
  • Petri dish or small saucer
  • Small spoon

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Epsom salts
  • Alum

ALTERNATIVES

This lab has two parts, one using Epsom salts, and the other using Alum. If either of these are unavailable, then just one part of the lab could be completed.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab has two parts. Both parts can be set up during one lab session, but must be left overnight before the results can be observed.

EQUIPMENT

  • Glass
  • Two pencils, sharpened at both ends
  • 9V battery
  • Two electrical wires with alligator clips at each end (or 2 electrical wires and insulating tape)
  • 1 tsp measure
  • Circle of cardboard with diameter slightly greater than the glass

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Lemon juice
  • Sticky tape

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Tap water

ALTERNATIVES

Lemon juice could be replaced with lime juice or vinegar.

If necessary, tap water could be used rather than distilled water.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Petri dish or saucer
  • Protective gloves as appropriate for the household substances used

CONSUMABLES

  • Universal indicator paper
  • Distilled water
  • A variety of household substances (e.g. vinegar, lemon juice, milk, toothpaste, cleaning fluid)

ALTERNATIVES

This lab could be completed with a variety of different household substances.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab, together with lab 9b, can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Measuring jug
  • Large bowl or jug
  • 1 tsp measuring spoon

CONSUMABLES

  • Universal indicator paper
  • Distilled water
  • Vinegar

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Baking soda
  • Two beakers
  • Dropper (or small spoon)

ALTERNATIVES

Vinegar could be substituted with lemon juice or lime juice.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab, together with lab 9a, can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Small measuring cylinder (or similar)
  • Beaker
  • Ruler

CONSUMABLES

  • Iron wool or steel wool
  • Vinegar
  • Distilled water
  • Tap water

ALTERNATIVES

If no vinegar is available, then the cleaning step that requires it can be omitted.

Tap water could be used instead of distilled water.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be set up during one session, but must be observed over a period of several hours.

EQUIPMENT

  • Saucer, plate, or heatproof surface
  • Matches
  • Timer
  • Several glasses of different sizes
  • Digital weighing scale (ideally with 0.01 g increments)
  • Dishtowel (i.e. tea towel)

CONSUMABLES

  • Tealight candle
  • Water

ALTERNATIVES

A larger candle could be used, but it must be significantly smaller than the glasses that will be placed over it.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab, together with lab 11b, can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Small heatproof dish (e.g. ramekin)
  • Matches
  • Baking tray or dish
  • Spoon

CONSUMABLES

  • Tea-light candle
  • Baking soda (i.e. bicarbonate of soda)
  • Vinegar

ALTERNATIVES

Vinegar could be replaced with lemon juice or lime juice.

There is no substitute for sodium bicarbonate (sold as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda) in this lab.

A larger candle could be used, but it must significantly smaller than the ramekin or small dish.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab, together with lab 11a, can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Glasses
  • Spoons
  • Digital scale
  • 0.25 tablespoon measuring spoon
  • 0.25 teaspoon measuring spoon
  • Measuring jug

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Liquid laundry starch
  • Iodine antiseptic solution, with dropper
  • 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
  • White vinegar
  • Three or more types of edible salt, including iodized salt

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Samples of foods (e.g. pasta, rice, bread, oats, flour)

ALTERNATIVES

Tap water could be used instead of distilled water.

There is no substitute for the other chemicals used.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Three test tubes (or narrow glasses)
  • Bung (or plastic wrap)
  • Small pan
  • Stove

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Three iron or steel nails (without any rust)
  • Vegetable oil (or other cooking oil)

ALTERNATIVES

Tap water could be used.

The iron or steel object need not be a nail, but it must be able to fit into the test tube or narrow glass, and must not be made from stainless or galvanized steel.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be set up during one session, but must be observed over several days.

EQUIPMENT

  • Nine (9) test tubes or small glasses
  • Work surface suitable for painting
  • File suitable for filing metal (not a nail file)

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Six (6) iron or steel nails (without any rust)
  • Two galvanized steel nails or screws
  • One stainless steel nail or screw
  • Vegetable oil (or other cooking oil)
  • Petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline®)
  • Correcting fluid (e.g. Tippex®), or quick drying, non-water soluble paint and a small paintbrush
  • Plastic wrap (e.g. cling film)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Four iron or steel nails (without any rust)
  • Copper wire
  • Zinc wire
  • Magnesium wire or magnesium ribbon
  • Distilled water

ALTERNATIVES

Tap water could be used instead of distilled water.

If any of the coatings are unavailable, that part of the lab can be omitted.

If galvanized or stainless steel nails or screws are not available, this part of the lab can be omitted.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This can be set up during one lab session, but must be observed over several days.

EQUIPMENT

  • Stove
  • Cooking pot with sloped lid (higher at center than edges; ideally transparent)
  • Three glasses
  • Measuring jug or cup
  • Several dry dishtowels / tea towels
  • Oven mitts or gloves
  • Small ceramic cup or bowl (e.g. ramekin)

CONSUMABLES

  • Heavy cream (or double cream)
  • Ice cubes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Clear, colored juice (e.g. apple or cranberry juice)
  • Vinegar (not colorless)

ALTERNATIVES

If heavy cream (or double cream) are unavailable, cream with a lower fat content could be used, or even milk.

If no cream or milk is available, the optional further activity using clear fruit juice could be completed instead.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This can be set up during one lab session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Microwave oven
  • Microwavable plate
  • Heatproof gloves or oven mitts

CONSUMABLES

  • Cornstarch (i.e. cornflour)
  • Distilled water
  • Vegetable oil
  • 1 liter resealable and microwaveable plastic food bag

ALTERNATIVES

Tap water could be used instead of distilled water.

There is no substitute for the other chemicals used.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Four insulated beakers
  • Thermometer
  • Thick cardboard circle (slightly larger diameter than beaker)
  • 1 tsp measuring spoon

CONSUMABLES

  • Distilled water
  • Vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide solution
  • Salt
  • Baking soda (i.e. bicarbonate of soda)
  • Laundry detergent powder (i.e. washing powder)
  • Baking yeast

ALTERNATIVES

Tap water could be used instead of distilled water.

If any of the other consumables are unavailable, that part of the lab may be omitted.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Steel bolt (or other small metal object)
  • Small pan
  • Thermometer
  • Insulated beaker
  • Tongs (e.g. small BBQ tongs or kitchen tongs)
  • Digital weighing scale (ideally with 0.01 g increments)
  • Piece of expanded polystyrene / thick cardboard (larger than diameter of beaker)

CONSUMABLES

  • Water

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTIONAL EXTENSION

  • Small metal objects (e.g. coins, scrap metal, weighing at least 150 g)

ALTERNATIVES

There are no alternatives for this lab.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Transparent plastic beaker (able to be marked with a permanent marker)
  • Large bowl
  • Permanent marker
  • Thermometer
  • Timer
  • Means of heating water (e.g. kettle or small pan on stove)

CONSUMABLES

  • Water (including some chilled water)
  • Four Alka-Seltzer® tablets (or other effervescent tablets)

ALTERNATIVES

If effervescent tablets are unavailable, the lab could be completed by timing how long it takes for 1 tsp salt to dissolve in water of a given temperature. However, this is not ideal, because it will take a long time for the salt to dissolve if the solution is not stirred. On the other hand, if the solution is stirred, care must be taken to do it at the same rate for all the tests, as more vigorous stirring will increase the rate at which the salt dissolves.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab, together with lab 19b, can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Beaker or glass
  • Thermometer

CONSUMABLES

  • Four Alka-Seltzer® tablets (or other effervescent tablets)
  • Water

ALTERNATIVES

If effervescent tablets are unavailable, the time taken for a sugar cube to dissolve in warm water could be compared to the time taken for the same mass of sugar granules, sprinkled into water of the same temperature, to dissolve. The water should not be stirred during this process.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab, together with lab 19a, can be completed during one session.

EQUIPMENT

  • Measuring jug
  • Beaker
  • 0.5 tsp measuring spoon

CONSUMABLES

  • 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
  • Yeast (e.g. baking yeast)

ALTERNATIVES

There are no alternatives for hydrogen peroxide in this lab.

If yeast is unavailable, very small pieces of potato could be substituted, as these will also catalyze the reaction.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This lab can be completed during one session.

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

Stove
Oven
Microwave oven
Refrigerator
Small pan ? For heating water on stove
Oven mitts or gloves ? For handling hot objects
Measuring spoons ? Various capacities: 0.25 tsp, 0.5 tsp, 1 tsp; 0.5 tbsp, 1 tbsp
Measuring jug ? Calibrated in ml, at least 120 ml capacity
Insulated beakers ? Polystyrene cups or similar; at least
250 ml capacity; 10 oz is ideal
Transparent plastic beaker ? Able to be marked with permanent marker
Tongs ? As used in kitchen or on grill
Small heatproof ceramic dish ? e.g. Ramekin
Baking tray or dish
Microwaveable plate
Selection of glasses or beakers ? Different sizes, including heatproof and microwaveable
Two heatproof plates
Cooking pot with sloped lid ? Lid higher in center than edges, and ideally transparent lid
Large bowl or jug ? Capacity at least 1 liter
500 ml plastic bottle ? Disposable water bottle is ideal
Several dry dishcloths / tea towels
Skewer ? Wood or metal
Spoons or stirring rod
Funnel
Heat-proof surface ? e.g. wooden board or similar, suitable for hot objects
Protective gloves ? As appropriate for handling household substances

HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT

Balloon
Paperclip
Ruler ? Marked in cm, suggested length 30 cm
Several pencils ? Including two sharpened at both ends
Several pieces of thick cardboard or expanded polystyrene ? Slightly larger diameter than the insulated beakers
9 volt battery
Timer ? Phone app or stopwatch are ideal
Permanent marker ? e.g. Sharpie
Steel bolts or other metal objects ? Ideally weighing at least 150 g
File suitable for filing metal ? Not a nail file
Work surface suitable for painting ? e.g. sheet of paper

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Safety glasses or goggles ? Regular glasses provide insufficient protection
Lab coat or apron
Nine test tubes or narrow glasses ? One with bung or plastic wrap to cover top, large enough to hold nails
Thermometer, ideally digital ? Must read in °C, range at least 0°C to 100°C
Digital weighing scale ? Ideally with 0.01 g increments
Small measuring cylinder or other narrow, flat-bottomed container ? A test tube can be used, but the results will be less accurate
Petri dish or small saucer ? Ideally glass, white, or another pale color
Two electrical wires with alligator clips at each end ? Or two electrical wires and insulating tape

CONSUMABLES

Distilled water ? Available at most grocery stores
Plain salt ? Not iodized salt
Iodized salt
At least two other types of edible salt ? e.g. "Lite" salt, kosher salt, rock salt, sea salt, Himalayan pink salt
Liquid food coloring
Baking soda ? Also called bicarbonate of soda,
not the same as baking powder
Vinegar ? Colorless white vinegar works best
Cornstarch ? Also called cornflour
Vegetable oil ? Or other cooking oil
Lemon juice
Heavy cream ? Or double cream
Baking yeast
Ice cubes
Non-washable colored ink ? Ideally including brown and black, e.g. from felt tip pens (Berol pens work well)
3 tsp sand (approximate amount)
Epsom salts
Alum ? Also called fatakdi powder (chemical name:
potassium aluminum sulfate), typically found
in the spice aisle of a grocery store
Matches
Tea-light candle
Laundry detergent powder ? Washing powder
Liquid laundry starch
Eight Alka-Seltzer® tablets ? Or other effervescent tablets
Petroleum jelly ? e.g. Vaseline®
Correction fluid ? e.g. Tipp-Ex®, or non-water soluble paint and small brush
Plastic wrap ? e.g. cling film
Sticky tape
Iodine antiseptic solution ? Povidone-iodide or iodine tincture, with dropper
Hydrogen peroxide solution ? 3% is recommended, but
other dilutions can be used
Nine iron or steel nails ? Without any rust, not
galvanized or stainless steel
Two galvanized steel nails or screws
One stainless steel nail or screw
Resealable plastic food bag ? Microwaveable, capacity 1 liter
Universal indicator paper ? Available at Amazon and other online stores
Filter paper ? As used in coffee machines
Chromatography paper ? Available at Amazon and other online stores
Iron or steel wool ? Not stainless steel, suitable
brands include Homax®
Several household substances for testing pH ? e.g. milk, toothpaste, cleaning fluid

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR OPTIONAL LAB EXTENSIONS

Isopropyl alcohol ? i.e. rubbing alcohol
Nail polish remover
Sugar
Skittles® ? i.e. the colored candy
M&Ms® ? i.e. the colored chocolate candy
Watercolor paints
Inks
Pastels
Muffin cases
Muffin tray
Small paint brush
Cornmeal or polenta
Eggs
Milk
Butter
Baking powder ? Not the same as baking soda
Four additional iron or steel nails ? Without any rust, not
galvanized or stainless steel
Copper wire ? Available at Amazon or other online stores
Zinc wire ? Available at Amazon or other online stores
Magnesium wire ? Or magnesium ribbon, available at
Amazon or other online stores
Clear colored juice ? e.g. apple or cranberry juice
Different colors or brands of liquid food coloring
All-purpose flour or plain flour
Samples of foods ? e.g. pasta, rice, bread, oats, flour
Small metal objects ? e.g. scrap metal weighing at least 150 g

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