Suggested practical apparatus: Biology
Through their study of the new GCSE Sciences students must be given the
opportunity to experience a wide range of hands-on practical work. Hands-on
experience will help them acquire the practical skills defined by the DfE in their
Apparatus and Techniques criteria.
We have designed all the activities to use standard equipment and materials that
can be found in most school laboratories.
The lists are not exhaustive, and we encourage teachers to modify the activities
to suit their students’ needs and learning objectives, and the resources available
in their school/college.
Risk assessment
These required practical activities have been suggested by teachers who have
successfully carried them out in the lab. However, it is the responsibility of the
centre to ensure that full risk assessments have been carried out in each case.
Trialling
Teachers should trial the required practical activities to make sure that they are
manageable and match the resources available in the school/college.
Apparatus list
Lab equipment
0.5 m2 quadrats
10 cm3 plastic syringes
10 cm3 measuring cylinders
100 cm3 conical flasks
250 cm3 beakers
30 cm rulers
30 m tape measures
5 cm3 measuring cylinders/syringes
boiling tubes
