Know your science lab.

Understand what you use in the lab, how it works, and how to handle it safely.

Glass test tubes in a wooden rack on an Eclat laboratory bench — Test tubes and glassware at Eclat's laboratory.

Start with the setup and the purpose.

Before handling anything, understand the procedure and what the experiment is meant to show. Follow your teacher's or trainer's instructions for the actual equipment and materials supplied.

Read the lab safety guide

Measure and observe

Find the right instrument, understand its reading and recognise its limits.

Set up and handle apparatus

Understand what supports, holds and transfers the materials in an experiment.

Heat, cool and separate

Follow the movement of heat and materials through the setup.

Work with light, waves and magnets

Connect each part of the apparatus to the effect you observe.

Understand your reagents

Know what a preparation is used for and why its formulation matters.

Work with biological specimens

Consider identity, condition and handling before interpreting an observation.