Science equipment - The Science Toolbox
This resource supports primary school teachers to identify materials and safety equipment for use in their science programmes.
About this resource
The Science Toolbox is a resource that supports primary school teachers to identify materials for use in their science programmes. Schools do not need to buy every item listed, nor do the lists include everything needed for science programmes. The equipment list:
- Help teachers identify gaps in a school's current provision for a science programme.
- Suggest other ways to use existing materials and promote the cross–curricular use of materials.
Science equipment - The Science Toolbox
Planning for science programmes
Purpose of this resource
The Science and Mathematics Task Force recommended that science toolbox be developed to support primary school teachers in their delivery of science in The 2007 New Zealand Curriculum. This curriculum can be delivered effectively only if students are provided with practical experiences. Practical work enables students to develop the essential skills of the curriculum, especially their problem-solving and investigative skills, and it is an essential component of a classroom science programme.
Science toolbox enables teachers to identify materials for use in their science programmes. Schools do need to buy every item listed, nor do the lists include everything needed for science programmes. However, the lists help teachers identify gaps in a school's current provision for a science programme. They also suggest other ways to use existing materials and promote the cross–curricular use of materials.
See Materials that come with this resource to download Science-toolbox (.pdf), created in 2021.
Please note that the equipment list provided in this version may be outdated. Additionally, there is reference to the previous Safety and Science/Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura. For the latest equipment list and the most recent safety guidelines, please see the accordions below.
Note of safety equipment
Please note that the equipment list provided in this resource does not include the safety equipment that every board of trustees must provide to ensure that science teaching takes place in a safe and healthy environment. In case help is required with providing such equipment, a list of the suggested minimum safety equipment is provided in this resource.
Safety and Science | Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura
This comprehensive document, created for teachers and technicians, provides guidance on how to develop a culture of safety in your science programme. It has thorough information on safety protocols and minimising hazards.
This all-encompassing guide covers procedures for a range of topics such as:
- What are the safety do’s and don’ts for students?
- How do we keep students/ākonga with special education needs safe in the laboratory/taiwhanga?
- How can students/ ākonga with religious and specific ethnic identity needs be kept safe during practical work?
- What are the safety guidelines for equipment/activities in primary schools/kura tuatahi?
Safety and Science/Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura (Ministry of Education, 2023) replaces:
- Safety and Science: A Guidance Manual for New Zealand Schools (Ministry of Education, 2000)
- Code of Practice for School Exempt Laboratories (The Environmental Risk Management Authority [ERMA], 2007)
- Guidance to the Code of Practice for School Exempt Laboratories (Ministry of Education, 2016).
See Materials that come with this resource to download Safety and science pūtaiao 2023 (.pdf).
See Materials that come with this resource to download the Science toolbox equipment list (.doc, .xls) and adapt it to suit your school's particular needs.
Extra columns can be added to the Excel spreadsheet to record such information as:
- stock levels of existing equipment and materials
- priority for obtaining new equipment and materials
- dates, prices, and sources of purchase.
These records provide the information needed for regular stocktaking and for planning new purchases or collection campaigns.
Suggested minimum safety equipment
Relevant items from the following list must be readily accessible in a classroom during science activities. Most of them could be stored in a large plastic box that can be easily taken to the classroom when required.
- Fire extinguisher or bucket of sand (for smothering small fires)
- Fire blanket
- First-aid kit
- Source of water (such as a bucket of water)
- Rubber-hose shower attachment (to use as a safety shower)
- Plastic jug (to use for washing eyes with clean water)
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Lab coats (old shirts)
- A container for broken glass and other sharp materials. See page 32 of Safety and Science/Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura.
Safety procedures
It is advisable for students to wear some form of protective clothing, such as an old shirt, when carrying out chemical reactions or using biological materials.
Safety glasses or goggles should be worn if the particular activity involves a risk to the eyes. Safety glasses require regular sterilisation, preferably by ultraviolet light. Local hospitals, universities, or research institutes may be able to carry out the sterilisation.
Cutlery used in science activities must be clearly labelled at school and kept separate from cutlery used for eating.
Acknowledgements
The Ministry of Education would like to thank:
- New Zealand Association of Science Educators for their management of the writing of this publication
- Writing team of Melissa Bell, Alan Bennington, Alex Benson, Sandra Copeland, Chris Manley, Margaret Mills, Peter Spratt, and Gillian Whyman
- Consultative group of Melanie Bell, Fran Blundell, Lorraine McCowan, Jenni Edwards, Jocelyn Grant, Tiffany Kemp, Beryl Lee, Mary Loveless, Keith McKenzie, Debbie Middleton, Berys Spratt, and Jeanette Stokes