Safety is an important part of any scientific experiment, and goggles are mandatory to protect the eyes. Not just liquid chemicals, but fumes, smoke and ultraviolet light may harm not just the scientist, but anyone who is in the lab during the experiment. Goggles should be placed securely around the eyes -- either by a rubber strap around the head or by two wide earpieces that protect the sides of the eyes and curve around the back of the ear like glasses. Teachers ask students to wear goggles on all experiments, to teach safety, regardless of whether the experiment uses any chemicals that are harmful to the eyes.
The Bunsen burner produces a single hot flame created by flammable gas and air. The equipment can be found in high school labs. Bunsen burners are very hot and need to be used with the utmost care. Students should know the proper procedures for using a Bunsen burner, wear the proper safety gear and use it only under the supervision of the teacher. Using the Bunsen burner teaches students how adding heat can change the physical and chemical composition of elements and compounds.
Fume hoods are used in science classes to contain fumes to the area. Noxious fumes may be dangerous to the scientist as well as the people in the surrounding area. Fume hoods provide ventilation to make the air breathable. The air may be filtered within the fume hood, or if the fume hood is connected to an exhaust system, the contaminated air is moved outside through the ventilation system.
An aquarium can house a small animal such as a gerbil, guinea pig, hamster or snake. Although younger children need science education, they don't necessarily use lab equipment. Elementary teachers may use tools that are fun but teach at the same time. At first glance, a class pet like a gerbil or guinea pig may seem like a project that entertains the students. But having a small animal in the class teaches children about the types of animals, animal habitats and the food chain. Similar to the way scientists observe the behavior of lab rats, a group of kindergartners can observe the habits of their class pet.
Microscopes are used to get a close view of particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Most schools work with the light microscope, which uses multiple lenses and light to make objects look bigger. Students in kindergarten through second grade can learn the purpose of the microscope and that there are objects too small to be seen with the naked eye. Older elementary school students can observe the shape and composition of salt under a microscope. Students use the microscope to look at cells, fruit flies and other microorganisms. High school students can conduct more sophisticated experiments, using the microscope to study biology, botany and entomology.