What you need for a science competition

A science competition needs more than experiment materials. You will need separate furniture for registration, teams, judges, and refreshments, plus reliable timing, power, presentation, and safety equipment. Plan one workstation per team and keep spare extension cords, power strips, and timers available before the first trial starts. This shopping list also covers the items people often arrange too late, such as thermometers, digital scales, name-badge supplies, cups, and equipment for the jury room.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 24
Chairsqty 140
Jury tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Coat racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 160
Dessert platesqty 140
Knivesqty 160
Forksqty 160
Spoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving tongsqty 10

Equipment

Laptopsqty 4
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 10
Timersqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 8
Digital scalesqty 8
Thermometersqty 8
Cordless kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 12
Mixing bowlsqty 12
Funnelsqty 12
Kitchen tongsqty 8
Water reservoirsqty 6

Sports equipment

Sampling cupsqty 100
Plastic graduated cylindersqty 24
Plastic pipettesqty 100
Safety gogglesqty 60
Lab coatsqty 30
Glovesqty 120
Plastic funnelsqty 24
Magnetsqty 40
Stopwatch setsqty 12

Decorations

Start number signsqty 24
Name badgesqty 160
Tableclothsqty 24
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Directional signsqty 20
Arrow stickersqty 40
Prize displaysqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Litter pickersqty 2

Catering

Coffee makerqty 2
Buffet warmersqty 4
Tiered traysqty 6
Bread basketsqty 6
Drink dispensersqty 4
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Serving jugsqty 8
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Ham slices - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Yogurt - 6 liter
- Muesli - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Muffins - 120 pieces
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Raisins - 2 kilograms
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Rice - 5 kilograms
- Pasta - 5 kilogram
- Spaghetti - 3 kilogram
- Tomato sauce - 8 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Herb mix - 3 jars
- Cornstarch - 2 packs
- Baking powder - 2 sachets
- Granulated sugar - 2 kilograms
- Baking soda - 2 packs
- Red cabbage indicator - 4 bottles
- Food coloring - 6 bottles
- Vinegar for tastings - 6 bottles
- Baking soda for tastings - 3 kilograms
- Citric acid - 1 kilogram
- Gelatin powder - 500 grams
- Corn kernels - 2 kilograms
- Straws - 300 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 300 pieces
- Wooden ice sticks - 300 pieces
- Craft cardboard - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 3 packs

Tips

Allow one table and at least two chairs per team, then add separate jury tables and a registration desk. Set aside extra chairs for volunteers, presenters, and spectators rather than using competition workstations.
Prepare one timing method for every active assignment: provide a timer or stopwatch at each station, plus at least two spares at the control desk. Test all timing devices before competitors arrive.
Count power points before setting up laptops, projectors, kettles, and other equipment. Bring extension cords and power strips with enough capacity, and tape or cover cables so they do not cross walkways.
For demonstrations and trials, prepare digital scales and thermometers in advance and check that each device works with the planned assignments. A missing measuring tool can delay an entire team, not just one experiment.
Plan refreshments by service rather than by headcount alone: provide reusable cups, coffee cups, plates, cutlery, serving platters, and tongs for the catering setup. Put waste bins near food and drink points before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a science competition?: Plan laptops, a projector, projection screen, speakers, and a microphone for presentations and announcements. For practical trials, include timers, stopwatches, digital scales, and thermometers, with at least one spare of each timing or measuring device.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a science competition?: Start with one work table and two chairs per team. Add separate jury tables, a registration desk, seating for volunteers and guests, and a few spare chairs; the final count depends on your number of teams and rooms.
What should I buy for refreshments at a science competition?: For each service, plan cups, coffee cups, plates, dessert plates, knives, forks, spoons, serving platters, and serving tongs for every attendee, plus a small reserve. Add coffee machines, cordless kettles, thermos flasks, and coolers if drinks are served over several hours.
When should I test the equipment for a science competition?: Test laptops, projection, audio, power connections, timers, scales, and thermometers at least one day before the competition. Recheck the setup 60 minutes before registration so faults can be fixed before teams enter the rooms.

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