Classroom and teaching supplies

Science lab basics for a middle school classroom: 12 supplies

A middle school lab does not need to be expensive, but it must be safe. These supplies cover measuring, observing and basic chemistry, with the safety gear that goes with them.

Chosen from Lakeshore Learning's own category navigation and the makers' sites, checked Oct 2026. Prices are about, Oct 2026, and move with sales. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.

Safety goggles
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Required for heating, chemicals and anything that can splash.
Watch for: About $3-10 each. Class sets of 30 cost about $90-200. Sanitize between users.
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Graduated cylinders and beakers
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Measure volume accurately in labs.
Watch for: About $8-30 per set; plastic is safer than glass for 6th-7th grade.
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Digital scale or balance
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Measures mass in grams for density and chemistry labs.
Watch for: About $15-60.
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Thermometers
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Temperature changes in labs.
Watch for: About $5-15. Choose alcohol or digital, not mercury.
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Hand lenses and microscopes
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Cells, pond water, textures.
Watch for: Lenses about $3-8; student microscopes about $40-150.
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Magnets and compasses
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Magnetism and forces.
Watch for: About $8-25 per set.
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Rocks and minerals set
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Identify by hardness and streak.
Watch for: About $15-40.
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pH strips and safe chemistry kits
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Acids and bases with household materials.
Watch for: About $10-30. Follow the age on the kit.
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Building and circuits kits
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Simple circuits and engineering.
Watch for: About $20-60. Check batteries and ages.
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Rulers and meter sticks
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Measurement in metric units.
Watch for: About $2-10.
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Lab notebooks
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Record observations as scientists do.
Watch for: About $2-5.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Posters: periodic table and safety rules
Lakeshore Learning · Ages 11-14
Visible references.
Watch for: About $8-20.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart

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