Here is a list of the equipment that many teachers recommend for use in the science classroom. Most items discussed on this page are widely available, or can be obtained from RNIB and other specialist suppliers.
Information on some of the resources available from RNIB is included. Our full range of science products can be viewed in our Online Shop.
Syringes and pipettes
Use separate syringes for measurements such as 1ml, 5ml, 10ml or 20ml. Syringes with plungers can have notches marked on them using a sharp Stanley knife or scalpel.
You can buy accurately calibrated auto-pipettes that can be set to reliably deliver volumes of liquid accurate to 1% - particularly good for pupils whose manual dexterity is poor. Available from suppliers such as Griffin Education and Philip Harris.
Measuring cylinders, beakers and test tubes
Marking up the top of the cylinders with bright yellow tape, Day-Glo orange tape (DL95) or paint makes them much easier to spot and can reduce breakages.
Beakers, test tubes and measuring cylinders can be marked up with Tacti-Mark (DL40/40A/40W); a non-toxic liquid that when applied to a surface dries and hardens within hours of application. It can be used mark levels on beakers, define the tops of beakers, etc. Bear in mind that it will melt upon contact with a high heat.
Elastic bands can be useful to show changes of level in a test tube or measuring cylinder.
Test tube racks, tripod legs and retort stand legs can all also be painted in bright colours to increase visibility, reduce accidents and stimulate residual vision
Trays
One tray (or washing up bowl) containing equipment for each pupil with sight problems, such as scratch-free goggles and much of the adapted equipment mentioned above and below. This can be kept in a safe place by the lab technician ready for the pupil to use.
One empty tray with a lip for pupils to work in a defined area, making equipment easy to locate.
Light detectors
Our audible light detector (DH248) emits a high pitch tone when in full light and a deep low pitch when in darkness. Light detectors are useful for detecting colour changes, as in the formation of precipitates or a bulb going on or off. They are invaluable in light and shadow work, for detecting the needle on some measuring instruments and even for reading a cathode ray oscilloscope.
Timers
Invaluable for crucial timings in experiments. We have a range of easy-to-see, tactile and electronic timers.
Also, you could consider using the widely available stopwatches that beep at regular intervals (available from shops such as Argos).
Calculators
View our selection of clear print and talking calculators.
There are various calculators based on laptops. Allercalc can be downloaded and has the facility to make the font any size and entry can be via the laptop keyboard rather than having to click on keys on the screen.
Thermometers
Some pupils find alcohol thermometers easier to read (but it is worth ensuring that the temperature range is suitable for use) - these are available in bright red or blue. Alternatively, some digital thermometers have fairly large displays. Griffin Education produce one that may be suitable.
Colour detectors
The Colbolt talking colour detector (DH289) detects 12 basic colours, not including the variations, such as light, very light, dark and very dark or combination of colours. Bear in mind that as it measures pigment, it would be useful for independence in, for example, pH testing experiments, but not in a titration exercise.
The Colorino talking colour detector (DH288) detects up to 150 colours, including shade variations.
Graph paper and embossing film
We have a range of clear print and tactile graph paper and pie charts.
Alternatively you can make your own using thermoform, minolta or a computer system and photocopier. There are several websites which offer free graph paper templates.
Large squared exercise books are available from Philip and Tacey.
Plastic embossing film (LC22/23) (also known as German film) can be used on a Geometry mat (LC177) and drawn on using an embossing tool or 'dead' (inkless) ballpoint pen, to create tactile images.
Bumpons and Wikki Stix
Bumpons are great tactile markers and are also great for indicating levels and measurements. They are available in a range of bright colours and shapes and provide a great contrast.
Useful for so many things, versatile Wikki Stix (LC49/50/115/116) can bused for plotting graphs, marking the tops of test tubes and even plotting light rays.
White screen or card
Placing a piece of white card behind any demonstrations reduces clutter and improves contrast. In addition, the contents of test tubes etc can often be seen more easily this way and is particularly useful when reading the scale on a measuring cylinder.
Blue and red food colouring
The addition of bright food colouring to water can make it visible, yet it is unlikely to affect the outcome of many experiments
Braille labeller and Dymo tape
The easy to use, hand-held Braille labeller (DL65) can be used to produce braille labels on Dymo tape (DL31/53/54), without needing a knowledge of braille. At only 9mm or 12mm wide the tape is ideal for marking chemicals in bottles, and the clear tape can be stuck on without obscuring print labels.
Gas or battery powered lighters
These lighters with long handles are much safer that matches and provide some independence for pupils.
Rulers and tape measures
We have a range of clear print, tactile and talking tape measures and rulers.
NES Arnold do an enlarged print ruler.
Using the braille science code
Our Using the braille science code publication covers the code required up to A Level and is laid out in key stages. It has particular emphasis on layout students will encounter during exams. The guide can be purchased in clear print (TC21085P) from our Online Shop or the PDF file can be downloaded free of charge.
Accessible image books
Our range of curriculum accessible image books are designed to support pupils studying subjects at Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum. The images in these books have been designed to convey the information as easily as possible, although the subject matter may be complex. Each coloured clear print and tactile black and white image has accompanying supportive descriptions in 24-point print and contracted braille (grade two). These descriptions encourage the user to read the image in a structured and logical way, additional support from a teacher may be required.
There are three biology titles, two chemistry titles and one physics title.
Suppliers
RNIB
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
Website: rnib.org.uk/shop
NES Arnold
Telephone: 0845 120 4525
Email: enquiries@nesarnold.co.uk
Website: nesarnold.co.uk
Griffin Education
Telephone: 01509 23 33 44
Email: FSUK.griffineducation@thermofisher.com
Website: griffin-education.co.uk
Philip and Tacey
Telephone: 0845 123 7760
Email: sales@philipandtacey.co.uk
Website: philipandtacey.co.uk
Force Ten
Telephone: 01372 45 08 87
Email: sales@forcetenco.co.uk
Website: forcetenco.co.uk
Philip Harris Education
Telephone: 0845 120 4520
Website: philipharris.co.uk
Sciencescope
Website: sciencescope.co.uk