Look up a standard buffer solution in your chemistry reference for the temperature and pH range you want. For example, 0.01 molarity borax has a pH ranging from 8.83 at 95 degrees Celsius to 9.463 at 0 degrees Celsius.
Calculate the molecular weight of each chemical you need. In this example, borax --sodium tetraborate, decahydrate -- has two sodium atoms, four boron atoms, seven oxygen atoms and 10 water molecules. Its molecular weight is 2(23.0) plus 4(10.8) plus 7(16.0) plus 10(18.0) equals 381.2.
Calculate the mass of each chemical you need, using the formula "mass equals molarity times volume times molecular weight." For the borax solution, you need 0.01 moles per liter times 1L times 381.2 g per mole equals 3.812 g.
Obtain the chemicals you need. In this case, you already know how much borax you need.
Don protective gear.
Use the scale to measure an amount of distilled water equal to the amount of standard buffer you need into a clean nonreactive container. For the borax solution, measure 1L water into a glass beaker.
Use the scale to measure the required amount of the first chemical you need into a clean nonreactive container. Add it to the water and stir. Repeat for any additional chemicals one at a time, stirring after each. Measure 3.812 g of borax into a plastic weighing boat, add it to the water and stir.