science lab

Meaning

A science lab (short for laboratory) is a special room in a school or university where students and scientists do practical experiments. It contains scientific equipment like microscopes, test tubes, and safety goggles. It is used for chemistry, biology, or physics classes.

Examples

• We have our chemistry class in the science lab today.

  We have our chemistry class in the science lab today.

• Please don't run or eat food when you are inside the science lab.

  Please don't run or eat food when you are inside the science lab.

• The school built a brand new science lab with modern equipment.

  The school built a brand new science lab with modern equipment.

• I forgot my safety goggles in the science lab after the experiment.

  I forgot my safety goggles in the science lab after the experiment.

• Our teacher showed us how to use the microscope in the science lab.

  Our teacher showed us how to use the microscope in the science lab.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We did a biology experiment in the science cabinet.

  ✓ We did a biology experiment in the science lab.

  In some languages, a school room for science is called a 'cabinet'. In English, we call it a 'lab' or 'laboratory'.

• ✗ I am going to the scientific lab.

  ✓ I am going to the science lab.

  While 'scientific' is an adjective, English speakers naturally use the noun adjunct 'science lab' to describe the school room.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We need to wear safety glasses before entering the ___.

  💡 The place where you do experiments

  Show answer

  science lab

• The biology teacher is waiting for us in the ___.

  💡 A room with microscopes and test tubes

  Show answer

  science lab