19
Nov
Guide to Choosing the Right Beakers for School Laboratories
LabChoice Australia Beakers are one of the most widely used pieces of glassware in Australian school laboratories. Whether students are mixing chemicals, heating solutions or observing reactions, the beaker plays a central role in practical science education. Selecting the right beaker improves safety, measurement accuracy and overall learning outcomes for students from Year 7 to VCE.
Why Beakers Matter in School Science
Beakers help students learn measurement skills, heat transfer, reaction behaviour and solution preparation. Their cylindrical shape, pouring spout and graduated markings make them suitable for both simple and advanced tasks. In junior classes beakers are used for introducing basic laboratory handling skills. In senior chemistry and biology they support more precise procedures such as titration preparation, heating reactions and solubility experiments.
Why Schools Prefer Borosilicate Beakers
Most Australian schools choose BORO 3.3 borosilicate beakers because they remain stable during heating and cooling cycles. This material reduces breakage, withstands flame exposure when used with wire gauze and protects against chemical corrosion.
Benefits of BORO 3.3 beakers in classrooms
• Suitable for Bunsen burner and hot plate heating
• Resistant to thermal shock
• Clear printed graduations for student visibility
• Safe for acids, bases and most school level reagents
• Durable for repeated weekly use
Types of Beakers Used in Schools
Low form beakers
These have a wider shape and are ideal for heating liquids, mixing and observing reactions. They are commonly used across all school year levels.
Tall form beakers
These have a narrow and taller profile suited for boiling, settling tests and experiments requiring a deeper liquid column.
Plastic beakers
Used mainly for cold experiments, preliminary mixing or demonstrations where breakage must be minimised. They are not suitable for heating.
Comparison: Low Form vs Tall Form Beakers
| Feature | Low Form Beaker | Tall Form Beaker |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wide and short | Narrow and tall |
| Best use | Heating, mixing, general tasks | Boiling, settling, deep column tests |
| Stability | More stable on tripod and benches | Requires careful handling |
| Common levels | Year 7 to VCE | Year 9 to VCE |
| Heating suitability | Excellent with wire gauze | Good but slower heating due to depth |
Comparison: Borosilicate vs Plastic Beakers
| Feature | Borosilicate Beaker | Plastic Beaker |
|---|---|---|
| Heating suitability | Safe for flame and hot plate use | Not suitable for heating |
| Durability | Resistant to thermal shock | Resistant to impact but may warp |
| Chemical resistance | High | Moderate depending on polymer |
| Ideal year levels | All from Year 7 to VCE | Mostly junior experiments |
| Clarity | Excellent | Varies by type |
Best Sizes of Beakers for School Laboratories
Most schools choose mixed sets to cover junior and senior curriculum needs.
• 50 ml for small scale demonstrations
• 100 ml for measurement and solubility tests
• 250 ml for general use and heating
• 400 ml for group experiments
• 600 ml for boiling and high volume tasks
• 1000 ml for advanced or VCE chemistry experiments
These sizes provide flexibility and help teachers plan experiments without limitations.
Classroom Activities That Use Beakers
Beakers support many common school science lessons.
• Heating water to observe phase changes
• Investigating solubility and saturation
• Preparing solutions for titrations
• Carrying out neutralisation reactions
• Evaporation and crystallisation
• Investigating acids and bases
• Seed germination in controlled conditions
Their versatility makes them one of the few pieces of equipment used in every term.
Safety Guidelines for Using Beakers in Schools
Safe use helps prevent breakage and ensures a smooth lesson.
• Heat beakers gradually and always with wire gauze
• Avoid placing hot beakers on cold surfaces
• Handle hot glass with tongs or heat proof gloves
• Ensure students do not fill beakers above two thirds when heating
• Allow cooling time before washing
• Check for cracks before use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students heat beakers directly over a Bunsen burner
Yes, as long as the beaker is borosilicate, heated over wire gauze and students are supervised.
Why do some beakers break when heated
Breakage can occur if a beaker is placed in direct flame, heated too quickly or cooled suddenly. Using a tripod and gradual heating prevents this.
Are plastic beakers safe for senior chemistry
Plastic beakers are fine for non heated activities but senior chemistry often requires heating, so borosilicate is preferred.
Do beakers measure liquids accurately
Beakers provide approximate measurements. For precise measurement use Class A or B measuring cylinders or volumetric glassware.
What is the best beaker for regular school use
A 250 ml low form borosilicate beaker is the most versatile for classroom demonstrations and student activities.
Supporting Australian School Laboratories
LabChoice Australia supplies high clarity BORO 3.3 beakers designed for daily classroom use. Our beakers offer consistent durability for heating, mixing and measurement tasks needed across the secondary science curriculum. We also support schools with custom equipment lists, complete lab kits and advice on selecting the right glassware for Year 7 to VCE programs.
References and Supporting Guidelines
• ACARA Science Curriculum
• AS NZS 2243 Safety in Laboratories
• Safe Work Australia guidance on classroom laboratory safety
• Australian school laboratory manuals and practical guides available through education departments