Activity 1

Topic: All Laboratories are Not Alike

Background information: Not all laboratories look alike. In fact, not all scientific research is done in a laboratory. Some research is done outside, underground, in space, or underwater.

Problem: How do laboratories differ from each other?

What do I want the children to discover? Not all laboratories are alike. The materials and work that goes on in a laboratory depends on what the scientist wants to find out.

"For some reason, people think science is boring. It's just the opposite. Science is exciting and fun." - Gertrude Elion (Nobel Prize in Medicine/Physiology, 1988)

What will I need?

• The Let's Visit A Research Laboratory poster or internet tour
• Several illustrations of various laboratories and research type facilities, such as hospital labs, physics and chemistry labs, underwater exploration vehicles, space modules.

What will we discuss? What is needed to make a laboratory? Why do scientists conduct research in laboratories? Why is this research important?

What will the children do?

• Display the pictures around the classroom.
• Have the children list on the board the similarities and differences among the various laboratories. What activities go on that make this a laboratory?
• Discuss some of the materials and equipment found in each laboratory. For what purpose is that equipment used? What would the scientist do if he did not have those materials?

How will the children use or apply what they discovered?

• Have the children use poster board to design their own laboratory. Include materials and equipment they will want in their lab. Encourage them to write out what type of research they might do in their lab.
• Visit your local museum of science and industry. Encourage children to find illustrations and materials from various research facilities.
• Invite a variety of researchers to visit your classroom to explain the type of research they do, where they conduct their research, and what kind of equipment they need to carry out their work.