RIDDLE ME THIS.

WHO AM
I?
Danny Koyfman
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is for you to familiarize yourself
with the basic laboratory equipment that will be used throughout the
school year.
Procedures for each station:
1. Take a moment and examine each piece of equipment found at the station. Be careful
handling the equipment!
2. Using the clues listed below, identify each item.
3. Place the index card near each item and then write your responses on this sheet. Take a pic
of your work and link it into your sheet next to each station.
4. Please wait for those ahead of you to finish before moving on to the next station. Before you
go on, mix the index cards and place them in a neat pile for the next group to use.
Station #1:
1.

I am used to measure the mass of reagents (chemicals) or laboratory equipment. I have a wide
range of accuracy depending on the intended use. I am known to be analytical when a high
degree of accuracy is needed for the measurement.
WHO AM I? Digital Scale

2.

I am used to heat non-flammable objects or solutions. I can be used to heat objects to very high
temperatures. Temperatures in the hottest region approach 1900 degrees C (3452 degrees F).
Methane (CH4) gas is fed into me through the gas inlet. When methane and oxygen mix in the
tube, and when ignited, it produces a flame.
WHO AM I? Bunsen Burner

3.

I am used to measure the volume of liquid samples and I am available in many different sizes.
WHO AM I? Graduated Cylinder

4.

I am a device that can heat liquids.

WHO AM I? Hot Plate

5.

I am used to measure the temperature of solids, liquids, or gases. I contain a liquid (usually
mercury or an alcohol solution) in my older versions. My newer self may have a digital face
giving readings. My liquid version expands when it is heated. The tube is calibrated to indicate
the temperature in either version.
WHO AM I? Thermometer

STATION #2
6.

I am used to pour liquids. If you notice carefully, I have a beak which helps liquids pour easily
and accurately.
WHO AM I? Beaker

7.

I am used to heat and store liquids. The advantage of using me when heating liquids is that the
bottom is wider than the top so it will heat quicker because of the greater surface area exposed to
the heat.
WHO AM I? Erlenmeyer Flask

8.

I am used to heat small quantities to very high temperatures. I am usually made of a very dense
ceramic material.
WHO AM I? Crucible

9.

I am made of plastic. I have many different wells to hold different chemicals or mixtures. Make sure I
am clean and not cracked before you start your lab.
WHO AM I? Chempate

10.

I am a piece of equipment that is used in the lab but is not confined to the lab. I can be used to
target liquids into a container so they will not be lost or spilled.
WHO AM I? Funnel

STATION #3

11.

I am used for moving small amounts of solid from place to place.

WHO AM I? Scooper

12.

I am used to crush solids into powders for experiments, usually to better dissolve the solids.
WHO AM I? Mortar and Pestle

13.

I am used for moving small amounts of liquid from place to place. I am usually made of plastic,
although occasionally glass. My plastic version can be disposable.
WHO AM I? Pipette

14.

I am used to hold items that are being heated. Clamps or rings will be used so that items may be
placed above the lab table for heating by the Bunsen Burner.
WHO AM I? Ring Stand

15.

I am used to stir things. I am usually made of glass, but sometimes I am made of plastic. I am a
very useful piece of equipment in the lab.
WHO AM I? Stirring Rod

STATION #4

16.

I come in many different sizes and I am usually black in color. The sizes are from 0 to 8 cm wide.
I can have holes for thermometers. You will usually find me on top of a test tube or an Erlenmeyer
flask.
WHO AM I? Rubber Stopper

17.

I am used to easily clean the inside of a test tube.

WHO AM I? Test Tube Brush

18.

I am used to hold test tubes when they are hot and untouchable.
WHO AM I? Test Tube Holder

19.

I am used to hold test tubes while reactions happen in them or while they are not needed.
WHO AM I? Test Tube Rack

20.

I am used to hold many different things such as flasks, crucibles, and evaporating dishes.
WHO AM I? Tongs

21.

I am a type of flask with a round bottom. I am used to swirl and heat chemicals. I can be easily
stopped with a rubber stopper, but dont heat me when this stopper is in. I am also known as a
boiling flask.
WHO AM I? Florence Flask

STATION #5
22.

I am used to hold solids when being weighed or transported. I should never be heated because I
am not made of a type of glass.
WHO AM I? Weighing Dish

23.

I am a plastic dish with a lid. I have been exclusively designed to all optimum culture growth and
shelf-life. I have been sterilized too.
WHO AM I? Petri Dish

24.

I am made of glass and I have a cylinder shape. I am usually used to hold a substance that
needs to be heated. I easily transfer heat and dont react to chemicals.
WHO AM I? Test Tube

25.

I am a disposable piece of equipment made of plastic with a rubber top. I am used to transfer
liquids from one place to another.
WHO AM I? Medicine Dropper

26.

I am considered the most important safety equipment in the lab. Without me you cannot work in
the lab. I protect your eyes.
WHO AM I? Safety Goggles

STATION #6

276.

I am used to see things that are too small to see with the naked eye. I should always be carried with
two hands. Make sure you turn on my light to see what is under the lens!
WHO AM I? Microscope

28.

I am usually placed on a ring that is attached to a ring stand. I form the platform on which beakers
can sit while substances within them are being heated. I am made of metal and I look like a piece
of mesh.
WHO AM I? Wire Screen

29.

If you need to separate a solid from a liquid, Im the one you need! I come in different types
depending on how big the solid particles are.
WHO AM I? Filter Paper

30.

I am used to light the flame of a Bunsen Burner. I have a hood that traps gas, and protects the
lighting file. I also have a piece of flint inside. I am sometimes referred to as sparky.
WHO AM I? Flint Lighter

31.

I am made of rubber. I allow either liquid or gas to pass through, depending on how thick I am. I
am connected to the Bunsen Burner.
WHO AM I? Rubber Tubing

32.

I am used to hold objects in place. I attach to a ring stand.

WHO AM I? Clamp