Lab-Aids Kits

 I have a few Lab-Aids Kits and Modules. Which kits are worth the investment?  I look for kits with longevity.  Remember, I teach Co-op, high school-level classes every year.  Originally, I bought a vintage Lab-Aids, Molecules of Life kit.  The kit is used to build macromolecules in Biology.  It’s fabulous!  If you buy a used set be sure it has the worksheets and lab guide. 

Later I bought the modern Molecules of Life.  The kiddos build macromolecules in Biology and organic molecules in Chemistry with the two sets.  The only issue is that the vintage and new sets are two different sizes.  I have to be vigilant about keeping the two sets separated.  (Read: threaten the students with cleaning if they mix up the sets by randomly tossing in their molecules in the wrong box. Guilty parties spend an hour separating the molecules into individual kits for the next class to use.)

The DNA Model Kits were a splurge because I only use them for Biology.  However, they do illustrate the helix well.  I teach Co-op Bio classes fairly regularly; the purchase made sense for my classes.

Before you buy a Lab-Aid kit, look at its components.  Let’s start with Identification of Chemical Reactions.  I hesitate to buy a used kit, unless it’s a bargain.  Don’t buy a vintage set with chemicals; the chemicals have a shelf-life of about five years.  Similarly, Introduction to pH Measurement has pH paper and indicators to test hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.  Instead buy pH paper or a less expensive kit.

Another example is Dichotomous Keys.  Even this listing isn’t a great price.  It looks like the Pamishan Creatures activity.  

The same is true of Classifying Animals.  You are classifying photos of animals.  Here and here are animal classification activities.  Otherwise, whether or not I’ll buy a Lab-Aid kit depends on what I’m teaching and the price.  For example, Weather Forecasting might be a good buy because it would save me trying to assemble similar materials for a lab—lesson.

Beware of sealed kits on eBay.  Do the research at theLab-aids store to see what you’re getting, such as Selective Breeding.  You’re buying fake Indian corn and a lesson.  Just do a similar lesson about ‘Jumping Genes’