If you want to be a good scientist, you must be able to unlearn all the misconceptions that you have been fed with throughout the years. You should also strive to have a sufficiently strong foundation of knowledge in the area that you are interested in.
In parallel to this, you also need to be equipped with the right tools to make learning science a bit more effortless for you. This article lists down some of the most essential tools that every good scientist must have, especially in the lab.
Analysis Tools
One of the primary things that you need to have if you want to be a good scientist is an analysis tool that will be able to help you look through your samples. In this case, you may need to consider buying analysis tools with various types of lenses such as telescopes, binoculars, as well as microscopes. When you explore online sources, you will most likely find an exclusive range of scientific microscopes, perfect for schools and universities, which is also ideal for personal use. With the right type of lens, you will be able to magnify the samples that you need to analyze, making them appear larger and closer than they actually are.
When it comes to microscopes which are often found in labs, there are various things that you need to consider to ensure that you get the right one suitable for your needs. For instance, you need to factor in what you need the microscope for. In case you need to examine tiny microorganisms that need to be magnified hundreds of times, then you may want to go for a compound microscope. On the other hand, should you need to examine an object that is a bit larger, then you may opt for a stereoscope microscope.
You should also take into consideration the quality of the lenses of the microscope that you are keen on acquiring. When you purchase a microscope with low-quality lenses, then it may be more difficult for you to analyze the samples that you need to examine. Apart from the quality of lenses, you should also go for a microscope with a good focus system that will allow you to get the best image quality possible. You may even want to get a microscope with achromatic lenses which are color corrected.
Measuring Equipment
Another tool that you need to have if you want to be more adept as a scientist is a piece of measuring equipment. There are various types of measuring equipment, particularly because scientists tend to make different measurements such as temperature, distance, as well as time. There is also a great chance for you to measure volume, weight, and mass when you are conducting your science experiments.
When it comes to measuring temperature, which is the hotness or coldness of an object, you need to have a reliable thermometer that is calibrated in either Fahrenheit or Celsius or even both. In terms of distance, you will need a metric ruler or even a measuring tape while when it comes to time, you need to have a stopwatch or a clock. You also need a tool for volume measurements, or the amount of space that a thing takes up, as well as weight or amount of gravitational pull exerted on an object. In this case, you may need to have beakers and weighing scales which can come in various shapes and sizes.
Data Recording Tools
A good scientist is also equipped with data recording tools such as a notebook or a ledger. In this way, you will be able to record any questions or findings that you may have with the experiment that you have conducted, as well as illustrate the process of your experimentation. You can even organize your data into tables and graphs in your notebook. A good experimentation record will allow you to repeat the experiment process as necessary if you have to gather more data.
However, in this modern-day and age, you can also record the data that you collect through an app or a software program. In this case, rather than keeping a notebook, you can simply record all your findings on a computer or even through an app on your smartphone. The great thing about using computer software and mobile applications is that the data you enter can be automatically transformed into illustrative graphs that will make analysis more effortless for you.
Safety Gear
Finally, you should also ensure that you have the proper safety gear whenever you are performing any lab experiment. In this case, it is a wise idea to invest in durable personal protective equipment such as goggles and gloves as well as lab gowns. These will protect your eyes and hands especially when you are dealing with harsh chemicals.
When you need to perform a critical and risky experiment, you may even need to wear respirators and earplugs or even a full bodysuit. Never attempt to touch the samples that you are dealing with using only your bare hands. Rest assured that you can always use tools such as thongs to handle your samples.
In parallel to this, you also need to ensure that you are implementing the best safety practices in a lab such as maintaining it to be clean and organized, returning your tools and equipment to their proper place after you use them. As much as possible, never eat in a lab particularly when you are experimenting because the crumbs from your food may contaminate your samples.
If you want to be a good scientist, you need to be equipped with the proper tools to help you get better at discovering and exploring the things around you. Apart from analysis tools and measuring equipment, you also need to have data recording tools, as well as safety gear that you need to use and wear appropriately whenever you are conducting experiments. When you have these tools, it will be easier for you to garner more knowledge in the field of science that you are interested in.
