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Step 1
Refer to your lesson plans. Each science lesson plan should have a required materials section included so you know what is required for each experiment.
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Step 2
Select science supplies based on subject. Different subjects require different materials. Subjects like chemistry, biology, physics and astronomy are all science, but all different.
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Step 3
Evaluate science supplies based on type. Lab equipment, chemicals and other common supplies can be used in a wide range of different lesson plans.
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Step 4
Purchase high quality science supplies. Resist the urge to buy cheap lab equipment. It might seem like buying the cheapest beakers and test tubes is the way to go, but if they are constantly breaking and needing to be replaced, you won't really be saving any money.
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Step 5
Select science supplies from a trusted source like Science Stuff (see Resources below). If you can get all the science supplies you need from a single supplier, you'll be saving time and can potentially take advantage of discounts. One stop shopping is not just for groceries.
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Step 6
Consult others in the science industry and find out what brands they prefer. Sometimes, lab equipment can represent an enormous cost. An electron microscope, for example, can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so you have to make sure you're getting the best one available.
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Step 7
Try to take advantage of bulk buy or frequent purchase discounts. If your lab goes through a lot of a certain chemical, talk to your supplier about getting a price break.
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Step 8
Select science related toys and games for the classroom or for your own kids. Science toys encourage children to think in new ways and they can turn every day play time into a learning experience.
