How to Save Money Teaching the Sciences

This is part 2 of a 2 part series on managing costs for science education. Cost is always an issue. I have never worked anywhere or done anything where cost didn’t come up as a limiting factor. I want to talk about ways to cut costs and still experience a wonderful science experience.

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We are going to break cost issues into 2 categories:

Resources
Supplies: Science and Office Products

Today we are going to focus on cost cutting science supplies. My rules to control supply costs are to use what you have, specific and purposeful investments, and automate as much as possible.

Use what you have.

If you don’t have graduated cylinders, use measuring cups. If you don’t have a balance, use a kitchen scale (this is the one we have). No beakers? Mason jars work well for most things.

When you think outside the box (or the science catalog) you can usually find things that will work. If you are working with groups, the more everyday an item the more likely other parents will donate things as well.

Invest in some “real” stuff.

Lab safety equipment, like science goggles, is a non-neogtiable. Droppers and thermometers are on the must have list. Must haves will change over time, but be diligent in keeping this list as small as possible. Just make sure that you have the supplies you need. If you work with an institution, you can purchase through the large science supply companies, but companies like Amazon and Home Science Tools have great options as well.

Automate as much as possible.

Automation keeps you from buying at the last minute. This includes supplies for science experiments as well as office supplies that keep everything going. If you have recurring lessons, a spreadsheet with supplies is a must. This helps to keep you ahead of the game so that you aren’t running by a convenience store to pick up some milk for an experiment and paying quite the premium.

My new favorite way to save money on color printing is through the HP Instant Ink Program. This program is flexible to meet various needs and has ink delivered to you as you need it with a nice discount. That makes it easy and affordable (double win) because sometimes science requires color printing and office supply stores are not the way to make that happen. The quality isn’t consistent and the cost is through the roof.

I have loved both of my HP color printers and the new HP Instant Ink program has helped to make the experience even better. It helps to offset printing of the cheaper eBook and downloadable resources I spoke about last time.

Paper can be an expense for some of us. I get texts from my local office supply store when paper goes on sale and stock up. I also rely heavily on back to school sales and stock up for the school year.

What are your favorite cost saving secrets?