Under the current learning curriculum in Kenya, JSS students are expected to perform laboratory experiments, observe, experiment and carry out investigations and research.
They are therefore expected to acquire practical science skills, and this is achieved by having the laboratory equipped with essential things.
With many laboratory experiments in all the JSS throughout the country, most schools are required to achieve certain levels that will allow the students to do the experiments with ease.
With our guide, you will be able to select and come up with all the equipments needed to improve the existing laboratory.
Here are the 10 essential laboratory supplies every JSS in Kenya should have.
1. Laboratory Glassware
The foundation of every science laboratory starts with quality laboratory glassware from good brands. They are essential since they can be used to measure, mix, heat and observe substances during laboratory practical sessions.
Most of the chemistry experiments can only be conducted with high-quality laboratory glassware.
Below is some of the essential laboratory glassware to be found in the JSS laboratory: • Beakers • Conical flasks • Measuring cylinders • Test tubes • Volumetric flasks • Reagent bottles • funnels • Watch glasses • Glass stirring rods
Note: Sciencelab limited has durable and popular lab glassware from quality brands: Shop by clicking the glassware category page and enjoy great discounts.
2. Laboratory Chemicals and Reagents
The CBC syllabus involves several chemical reactions, studying various properties of matter and learning about acids and bases.
Therefore, the JSS laboratory should stock a wide range of laboratory chemicals and reagents in their laboratory. This will help the students do the experiments with confidence and at the same time reach endpoints.
Some of the common laboratory chemicals in the JSS laboratory in Kenya include; • Hydrochloric Acid • Sodium Hydroxide • Copper(II) Sulphate • Potassium Permanganate • Sodium Carbonate • Calcium Carbonate • Litmus solution • phenolphthalein • methyl orange • Distilled water
3. Microscopes
This are used for biological and integrated science practicals in JSS. To be specific, the most used one is the Light microscopes.
The microscope is widely used to help JSS students observe microscopic living organisms, plant structures, tissues, and insects among other subjects invisible to naked eyes.
The microscope is currently on a 20% discount. The current price of the Light microscope in Sciencelab is KES 7,800.
The microscope always comes in handy during KCSE and internal practical exams.
4. Measuring Instruments
Learning how to measure accurately is a part of science practical learning. JSS needs precise measuring equipment which is usually applied in physics and chemistry to confirm parameters such as weight, time, temperature, distance and also the pH of samples.
Reliable measurement instruments help students gather precise data and learn how to conduct scientific measurements during experiments.
The following measuring instruments should be part of the JSS laboratory supply: • digital weighing balance • Thermometers • Stopwatches • Rulers •Measuring tapes • pH meters •graduated cylinders
By using high-quality measuring instruments, you are sure of accurate results, which in turn promote better learning of science concepts.
5. Laboratory Safety Equipment
Safety is in any school laboratory setting should be observed and especially where students are involved. Accidents in the laboratory can happen when students are doing experiments that involve mixing chemicals, handling glass equipment, electricity, and heat.
Therefore, proper investment and placement of safety equipment will protect the students and staff in the laboratory.
A JSS laboratory in Kenya should have: • safety goggles • lab coats • nitrile gloves • acid-proof gloves • fire extinguishers • fire blankets • eye wash stations • first-aid kit • chemical spill kit
In schools which are likely to have strong smelling fumes, it would be prudent to invest in laboratory gas masks.
6. Bunsen Burners and Heating equipment
The teaching of chemistry and physics in JSS in Kenya typically requires use of heat in most experiments. Bunsen burners are the most popular heat source for educational purposes, usually apppied in most schools.
Some other affordable options of heat sources include the spirit lamps, hot plates, tripods and wire gauze, are very important too.
We also have a portable burnsen burner, a very good heating source that you can use to do some simple heating. They are easily carried from class to class and from lab to Lab.
7. Laboratory Plasticware and Storage Containers
In some experiments, the use of glass ware is not ideal, and durable plastic ware offers a good alternative.
Lab plastic ware is also used to store laboratory materials and chemicals. Common lab plastic ware include; • wash bottles • plastic beakers • reagent bottles • sample containers •Measuring jugs • Pipette tips • storage bins
While having the above lab supplies, you will be able to ensure proper organization of materials using the right storage solutions helps maintain a clean laboratory.
8. Dissection kits and Biology models
Dissection of biological specimens and building of biology models are part of the biology curriculum taught in Junior Secondary schools in Kenya especially in form 1 and 2.
Biology uses these kinds of models to ensure that practical learning activities where students can easily learn more about the body parts and functioning of various living organisms.
Some of the biological models that are available in our store include, brain, ears, eyes,
For such activities, schools should have high-quality dissection kits, anatomical models, charts of various parts of a human body and magnifying glasses.
9. Laboratory Furniture and Mobile Laboratories
Investing good furniture is important. No matter how advanced the equipment is, without proper furniture like lab benches, lab stools and chemical storage cabinets, labs can never be functional or safe.
Luckly, Sciencelab limited has all the essentials mentioned above. We have an offer currently on the Lab portable labs with the one with cabinets going for KES 85,000 and the one without cabinets going for KES 45,000.
Note: With our cabinets, you do not need to worry about the chemical storage space. Our mobile laboratory can provide enough space to store chemicals, ensuring that safety is guaranteed.
You may need to install cupboards where students can store their lab equipment safely after class if you buy the mobile laboratories without the cabinets.
10. Laboratory Consumables and Everyday Supplies
As JSS you cannot have a lab and lack the everyday things that facilitate the learning. The school laboratories need consistent stock up of consumable supplies for daily experiments to ensure continuity of learning without disruption.
Some of the laboratory consumable supplies for any JSS laboratory are:
• filter papers •pH paper • Labels •droppers • pipettes • Cotton wool • rubber stoppers • Spatula •Weighing boat • Gloves •Brushes and distilled water.
