GCSE Biology (CIE)

Topic Summaries

Science skills: Experimental procedures

Apparatus and equipment

Apparatus Symbol
Bunsen burner: provides a constant flow of heat to a substance
Beaker: stores water or other fluids. Other containers like canonical flasks may also be used depending on the experiment.
Test tube: holds a small amount of liquid. Larger tubes for heating are called boiling tubes.
Tripod: a stand that a Bunsen burner can be placed under. Gauze can be used to place a beaker on top.
Clamp stand: can be used in conjunction with clamps and bosses to suspend test tubes and other equipment in the air.
Funnel: directs liquid into a test tube or another container.
  • Various equipment can be used to take measurements during experiments. More precise equipment will lead to better results.
  • Choosing the correct equipment and calibrating regularly can help ensure reliable results and reduce random errors.
Equipment Used to measure
Ruler Length
Measuring cylinder Volume
Stopwatch Time
Thermometer Temperature
Pan balance/scale Mass

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