Science show shopping list: what to buy and bring

A science show needs more than experiment ingredients. You also need a reliable presentation setup, safe workstations, registration supplies and enough serving equipment for breaks. This shopping list covers the practical items behind the demonstrations, from measuring cups and test tubes to a projector, microphone and protective table covers. Check quantities against your guest list, then allow time for deliveries, dry runs and sorting materials into clearly labelled experiment stations.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 80
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4
Tableclothqty 10

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Portable speakerqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 40
Lab coatsqty 8
Protective tableclothsqty 10
First aid kit

Experiment materials

Measuring cupsqty 20
Graduated cylindersqty 6
Funnelsqty 10
Dropper pipettesqty 50
Plastic test tubesqty 60
Test tube racksqty 10
Plastic mixing bowlsqty 12
Plastic spoonsqty 30
Kitchen scalesqty 2
Thermometersqty 4
Magnetsqty 20
Magnifying glassesqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 4
Plastic traysqty 12
Balloon pumpqty 2

Decorations

Presentation boardsqty 6
Direction signsqty 8
Painter's tapeqty 6
Waterproof markersqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 90
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee potsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Still mineral water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mini cucumbers - 40 pieces
- Snack tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Oatmeal - 2 packs
- Cornstarch - 4 packs
- Baking soda - 3 packs
- Natural vinegar - 6 bottles
- Red cabbage - 4 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Food coloring - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Table salt - 2 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Lockable storage containers - 20 units

Tips

Plan one complete set of core experiment tools for each active station. If several groups work at once, count measuring cups, funnels, droppers, mixing bowls and trays by station rather than buying only one shared set.
Prepare safety supplies for every participant who handles materials. Have one safety glasses and lab coat per person at each station, plus protective table covers and a first-aid kit where the demonstrations take place.
Test the presentation equipment at least one day before the show. Check the laptop, projector, screen, portable speaker, wireless microphone, extension reels and power strips together, not separately.
Bring spare consumables and containers for failed demonstrations or spills. Plastic test tubes, disposable spoons, trays and mixing bowls are easy to overlook when the experiment materials are sorted into separate stations.
Buy and portion refreshments only after confirming registrations and dietary requirements. Chill drinks several hours before doors open, and keep the registration table supplied with the participant list, badges and printed worksheets.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a science show?: For the presentation, plan a laptop, projector, projection screen, portable speaker and wireless microphone. Test every item together at least 24 hours before the show, and bring extension reels and power strips for the room layout.
How many safety glasses do I need for a science show?: Provide one pair for every participant who will handle an experiment, plus several spares. If 30 people will work in groups, prepare at least 33 pairs so a misplaced or damaged pair does not stop a station.
How many experiment stations should I set up?: Match the number of stations to the number of groups that need to work at the same time. As a practical starting point, use one station for 4 to 6 participants and prepare a complete tool set for each station.
When should I buy materials for a science show?: Order specialist experiment materials at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead, especially if they are delivered. Buy fresh snacks and drinks 1 to 2 days before the show, then dry-test every demonstration and sort the materials the day before.

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