What supplies does a high school biology class typically need?

Most biology classes need a dedicated lab notebook or composition book, safety goggles (check whether your school provides them or requires students to supply their own), colored pencils for diagramming, a ruler for graphing, and a binder or folder for returned work. AP Biology students also benefit from a dedicated composition book for lab write-ups and, optionally, an AP prep book for May exam preparation.

Who is responsible for providing safety goggles in biology class?

This varies by school. Some schools maintain a class set; others require each student to have their own. Either way, your newsletter should state explicitly what is expected. If students must provide their own goggles, specify the required type (ANSI Z87.1 rated, indirect vent preferred for chemistry). If the school provides them, note that students are responsible for keeping them clean and returning them at the end of the year.

Why do biology students need colored pencils?

Biology relies heavily on diagrams: cell organelles, genetic pedigrees, Punnett squares, anatomical structures, and ecology diagrams. Color coding these diagrams helps students differentiate components and creates more legible, useful study tools. Students who annotate diagrams in color consistently produce cleaner lab reports and more accurate test drawings.

Do biology students need a graphing calculator?

For most standard biology courses, no. For AP Biology, statistical analysis (chi-square tests, standard deviation calculations) is part of the curriculum and benefits from a calculator that can perform those functions. A basic scientific calculator is sufficient; graphing capability is not required. Specify the exact functions needed so families do not overspend on an unnecessary model.

What tool makes it easy to send biology supply newsletters to families?

Daystage lets you format a clean supply list with required and optional categories, include images of specific items if helpful, and send to all families with one click. Biology teachers who include a photo of a properly equipped student lab station in their supply newsletter report significantly fewer first-week supply issues because families know exactly what prepared looks like.

Biology Teacher Newsletter: Supply Request

Biology supply requests have two categories that other subjects rarely do: academic supplies and safety supplies. Getting both right from the start prevents first-week lab delays and tells families that you run a professionally managed classroom where students are genuinely equipped for science. Here is how to write a supply request newsletter that communicates both clearly.

Academic Supplies for Biology

Biology's academic supply needs center on three functions: note-taking and organization, diagramming, and lab documentation.

For note-taking and organization, a dedicated notebook or binder matters in biology because students regularly need to refer back to earlier diagrams and concepts when studying for cumulative assessments. A student who keeps biology notes in a shared notebook across multiple subjects will have trouble finding specific diagrams when they need them weeks later.

For diagramming, colored pencils (not markers, which bleed through lab notebook pages) are essential. Biology involves extensive diagram work: cell structures, genetic pedigrees, food webs, anatomical drawings. Color coding is not decoration; it is a functional tool for differentiating components.

For lab documentation, many biology teachers require a dedicated composition book (not spiral, as pages cannot be removed) for lab write-ups. If your course uses composition books specifically, say so in the newsletter and explain why: "Composition books are required because pages cannot be torn out. Lab work is a scientific record and needs to be complete and unaltered."

Safety Supplies

Safety goggle requirements vary by school. Your newsletter should state clearly whether students are responsible for providing their own or whether the school maintains a set. If students must purchase their own, specify: ANSI Z87.1 rated, indirect vent for chemistry-adjacent labs (biology courses sometimes use mild chemicals for staining procedures and pH testing). These goggles are available at hardware stores and online for $5-15.

Some biology teachers also require closed-toe shoes on lab days. If this is a safety requirement for your class, note it in the newsletter and explain when lab days typically occur so families can plan accordingly.

Building the Supply List

Required for most biology courses: A dedicated notebook (composition book if lab reports are included in it). Colored pencils (12-color set minimum). A ruler for graphing. A scientific calculator for AP Biology (basic, not graphing). Safety goggles (if student-provided). A folder for returned work and assessments.

Optional: AP prep book for AP Biology students (Princeton Review or Barron's, current edition). Sticky notes for textbook annotation. A second colored pen set for detailed diagram work.

Sample Supply Request Newsletter Section

Here is a template excerpt:

"What Your Student Needs for AP Biology: (1) A dedicated composition book for lab write-ups. Composition books are required (not spiral) because lab records are scientific documents and pages cannot be removed. (2) Colored pencils, 12-color set. Biology uses extensive diagrams, and color coding is a functional tool, not decoration. Markers bleed through composition book pages; pencils are required for lab write-ups. (3) Safety goggles: ANSI Z87.1 rated, indirect vent. The school has a class set as backup, but students who have their own will always be ready for unscheduled lab opportunities. (4) A scientific calculator for statistical analysis. A TI-30XS or any calculator with a standard deviation function is sufficient. A graphing calculator is not necessary. (5) AP Biology prep book (optional): Princeton Review or Barron's current edition. We will use it starting in February."

Addressing the Equity Question

Safety goggles are the one item in the biology supply list where equity is a real concern. If a student does not have goggles, they cannot participate in lab activities, which directly affects their grade. Address this clearly: "If safety goggles are a purchase hardship, please email me before the first lab day. I have a small supply of spare goggles for students who need them. No student will miss a lab because of a supply issue."

Biology Teacher Newsletter: Supply Request Newsletter Guide