Chemistry Lab Techniques

Proper Laboratory Technique

Before starting any experiment, you should understand the entire procedure that you will be following. You need to make sure that you have the proper equipment, and that you know how to use it. When you are trying an unfamiliar procedure for the first time, it is a good idea to practice at least one "dry run" without chemicals. That way, you can make sure you have all the materials you will need at hand, and that your workflow will proceed smoothly. You will greatly reduce the risk of an accident by carefully planning ahead.

Using proper laboratory techniques will increase your level of safety in the lab. Here are some tutorials on proper laboratory techniques:

Resource	Description
http://ocw.mit.edu/ans7870/resources/chemvideo/index.htm	Excellent video tutorials on measuring volume, weighing chemicals on electronic balances, titration, filtration, and many more.
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/jcesoft/cca/CCA6/MAIN/HOME.HTM	Dozens of tutorials on almost every technique used in a basic chemistry lab.  While the videos are not available on the Internet, slide shows and narratives are.
http://www.ohaus.com/products/education/tutorials.asp?source=2	Tutorials on using basic mechanical balances to weigh materials.

Disclaimer

Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of the materials in our project ideas, Science Buddies cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials.  We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our webpages to make choices and to develop procedures for safety in accordance with local needs and situations.

Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. Alternatively you can look up any chemical you are working with in the "student friendly" Chemical Database maintained by Oxford University. This database lists safe handling, emergency, and disposal procedures for a wide variety of chemicals.