What you need for a science party

A science party needs more than experiment materials. You will also need safe workstations, measuring tools, serving equipment, drinks, snacks and a clear way to time each activity. This shopping list helps you prepare the practical details before guests arrive, from plastic test tubes and graduated cylinders to coolers, kettles and power strips. Check quantities against your guest list, then buy consumables and chill drinks at least one day ahead.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 65
Bar stoolsqty 4
Tablecloth coversqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Bowlsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 12
Measuring spoonsqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 12
Ladlesqty 6
Kitchen scaleqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Hot platesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Prize ribbonsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 12
Kitchen timersqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Science

Plastic graduated cylindersqty 12
Plastic test tubesqty 40
Test tube racksqty 8
Pipettesqty 40
Magnifying glassesqty 20
Plastic funnelsqty 12
Digital thermometersqty 6
Protective gogglesqty 70
Reusable apronsqty 20
Plastic sample traysqty 20
Magnetsqty 30
Plastic measuring spoonsqty 30

Decorations

Themed balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Table numbersqty 12
Name stickersqty 80
Arrow stickersqty 30
Disposable placematsqty 80

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED table lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Safety

First aid kit
Heat-resistant glovesqty 6
Non-slip matsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Mini bake-off rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 1 kilogram
- Cupcakes - 70 pieces
- Birthday cake - 2 cakes
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Baking soda - 2 kilogram
- Natural vinegar - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Plastic table runners - 10 rolls
- Food coloring - 6 bottles
- Washable children’s paint - 12 tubes
- Cornstarch - 3 kilograms
- Granulated sugar - 2 kilograms
- Dry yeast - 12 packets
- Dish soap for experiments - 4 bottles
- Red cabbage - 4 pieces
- Turmeric - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Set up one table for every active experiment station, with a plastic test tube rack, test tubes and a graduated cylinder at each station. Keep the equipment plastic where spills or breakage are likely.
Plan at least one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. Add serving platters, bowls and tongs so snacks do not share equipment with the experiments.
Buy or gather safety equipment before shopping for decorations. Place safety rules at every experiment table and keep flashlights available for dim areas or power problems.
If activities use hot water or heat, arrange kettles, hot plates, power strips and extension cords in advance. Test each setup on the day before and avoid running several high-power devices from one outlet.
Use stopwatches or kitchen timers for timed trials and prepare one timer per simultaneous activity. Measure trial materials before guests arrive so the welcome and safety briefing do not get delayed.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups and plates do I need for a science party?: Allow one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item if you want a small buffer for spills or replacements.
When should I buy supplies for a science party?: Buy reusable equipment and non-perishable materials at least 3 to 5 days before the party. Shop for snacks and drinks 1 to 2 days ahead, and chill drinks the day before.
How many science experiment stations do I need?: Use one station for each experiment running at the same time. For groups of 20 or more, plan for about 4 to 5 guests per station so everyone can handle the materials and see the instructions.
What safety equipment do I need for a science party?: Prepare safety equipment for every experiment area, along with printed safety rules and a clear briefing before activities begin. Check all equipment at least 24 hours beforehand, especially when using hot plates, kettles or electrical leads.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.