12 Best Homeschool Science Kits (October 2026): Ranked and Tested

Teaching science at home does not have to mean dry textbooks and bored kids staring at a screen. When I started homeschooling my three kids, I worried about giving them real lab experiences without spending a fortune or hunting down fifty different supplies. That is exactly where the best homeschool science kits come in. These kits bundle materials, instructions, and experiments into one box so you can open it and start learning the same day.

Homeschool science kits are pre-packaged collections of lab supplies, specimens, chemicals, and step-by-step guides that let students run real experiments at the kitchen table. Instead of sourcing beakers, test tubes, and baking soda from five different stores, you get everything in a single kit. Our team spent six weeks testing twelve of the most popular options to see which ones actually deliver on engagement, educational value, and ease of use for busy parents.

Whether you need a one-time chemistry set, an earth science bundle, or a biology focused kit with a real microscope, this guide breaks down what works for each age and subject. If you want even more options after reading, check our broader guides on STEM kits for kids and chemistry sets for kids for subject specific picks.

Top 3 Picks for Best Homeschool Science Kits

Best Homeschool Science Kits in 2026

1. National Geographic Earth Science Kit – Best Overall for Hands-On Earth Science

I opened this kit on a rainy Tuesday and my kids did not look up for three hours. The Earth Science Kit from National Geographic includes over fifteen distinct activities, from growing crystals to building an erupting volcano to digging for real gemstones. With more than 20,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating, it is the most popular kit we tested, and after using it I understand why.

The volcano project alone was worth the price. My eight-year-old mixed the plaster, built the cone, and watched the eruption three times in a row. The gemstone dig brick kept her busy for a full afternoon, and she still carries the polished stones around in a little bag. Every activity comes with a full-color Learning Guide that explains the actual science behind what they are doing, which is a big help when your kid asks why crystals form and you need a quick refresher.

What impressed me most was the variety. Most kits focus on one subject, but this one covers geology, chemistry, earth science, and even weather with the dual water tornado tubes. The instructions are genuinely clear, with photos for every step, so my daughter could follow along without me hovering over her shoulder. For homeschool families juggling multiple kids, that independence matters.

The downsides are minor but worth noting. Younger kids under eight will need help with the volcano plaster and crystal growing since those involve hot water and careful measuring. A few of the paint colors in the dig brick kit were lighter than expected and did not show up well on the specimens. Overall though, this is the kit I recommend first when friends ask where to start with homeschool science.

Best Age Range and Curriculum Fit

This kit works best for ages 8 to 12, which lines up with most upper elementary and middle school earth science units. If you use a curriculum like Real Science Odyssey or Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding, the volcano and crystal activities pair perfectly with geology chapters. The Learning Guide is secular and fact-based, making it compatible with any curriculum approach.

Storage and Reusability

The kit comes in a sturdy box with compartments, but once you start digging into the gemstone bricks and volcano plaster, plan on transferring materials to your own storage containers. The tools and rock collection case are reusable for future lessons, so you can pull them out again when younger siblings reach the same unit.

2. National Geographic Amazing Chemistry Set – Best Value Chemistry Kit

If your homeschooler is fascinated by fizzing reactions and color-changing liquids, this is the chemistry kit to get. My son spent an entire weekend working through the fifteen included experiments, and we still had the bonus guide with eighty-five more activities to try using items from our pantry. For the price, the experiment count per dollar is hard to beat.

The kit includes real lab tools like test tubes, beakers, and pipettes, not cheap plastic imitations. My kids felt like actual scientists measuring out powders and watching glowing worms form in the test tube. The color-changing reaction where you use your breath to change the liquid color was a particular favorite and sparked a great conversation about acids and bases. National Geographic won Toy of the Year for this kit, and the quality of the materials shows why.

Safety is handled well. The chemicals included are clearly labeled, and the instructions specify which experiments need adult supervision and safety goggles. I appreciated that the bonus experiments use common household items like baking soda and vinegar, so you can keep experimenting long after the included supplies run out. This extends the value significantly compared to single-use kits.

The main drawback is that several of the bonus experiments require you to gather your own materials. If you want zero-prep science, you will be limited to the fifteen included experiments. Some of the chemicals also need careful storage, so make sure you have a safe place to keep them away from younger siblings or pets.

How It Compares to Other Chemistry Kits

Compared to dedicated chemistry sets we have tested, this one offers the best balance of experiment variety, real lab tools, and price. The bonus guide effectively doubles or triples the experiment count without adding cost. If you want a deeper dive into chemistry specifically, our guide to the best chemistry sets for kids has additional specialized options.

Curriculum Compatibility

The experiments map well to middle school chemistry units covering chemical reactions, acids and bases, and crystal formation. If you are using Apologia Chemistry, Noeo Chemistry, or R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey, you can easily match specific experiments to your weekly lessons for hands-on reinforcement.

3. UNGLINGA 70 Lab Experiments Science Kit – Best Budget Option

Not every homeschool family can spend forty dollars on a science kit, and that is where the UNGLINGA 70 Lab Experiments kit shines. For under twenty dollars, you get seventy experiments covering chemistry, physics, and earth science. I was skeptical about the quality at this price, but the materials held up well and the experiment variety surprised me.

The standout activities were the fruit battery circuit and the balloon rocket. My kids loved seeing an LED light up using nothing but a lemon and some zinc strips. The volcano project is included and works well, though you will need to supply your own baking soda and vinegar. The manual uses illustrations for every step, which makes it accessible for kids who are not strong readers yet.

With nearly 8,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating, this is clearly a kit that works for a lot of families. The tools are plastic but sturdy enough for repeated use. I especially liked that the experiments cover multiple science subjects, so you can use this kit as a supplement across several units rather than just one topic.

The trade-off is that some experiments require additional household items like sugar, apples, or potatoes. A few of the written instructions were vague, and I had to puzzle through one or two activities with my kids before we figured out the right setup. For the price though, these are minor complaints that most families will happily work around.

Cost Per Experiment Value

At roughly twenty dollars for seventy experiments, you are paying about twenty-eight cents per activity. That is one of the best ratios of any kit on this list. Even if you only use half the experiments successfully, the value remains strong for budget-conscious families.

Best for Co-op or Group Settings

Because the kit is inexpensive, it works well for homeschool co-op classes where you might need multiple sets. The experiment variety means you can run a different activity each week without repeating. Just plan ahead for the household items you will need to supplement.

4. Doctor Jupiter Ultimate Science Kit – Most Experiments in One Box

The Doctor Jupiter Ultimate Science Kit packs more experiments into one box than any other kit we tested. With 135 activities included and access to 90 bonus experiments online, this kit could easily fill a full semester of homeschool science. My kids spent weeks working through color-changing reactions, underwater volcanoes, and glowing water experiments.

What sets this kit apart is the packaging. The ingredients arrive in leak-proof bottles with secure caps, which means no messy spills in your storage cabinet. The instruction manual is well-organized and walks kids through each experiment step by step. My daughter especially loved making magic potions and showing them off to her grandparents on video calls.

The included tools like the measuring cylinder, conical flask, and test tube stand give kids a real lab feel. The food coloring and essence bottles let them create visually striking experiments that hold attention longer than plain white powder reactions. I appreciated that the kit includes a tray for containing messes during experiments.

The downside is that some of the included ingredients run out quickly if your kids get excited and repeat their favorite experiments. The glow powder and crystal powder in particular went fast in our house. You will also need common household items for the bonus experiments, so keep baking soda, vinegar, and cooking oil stocked.

Best for Long-Term Use

With 135 experiments, this kit can last several months if you pace it at two or three activities per week. That makes it ideal for families who want a single purchase to cover a significant chunk of their science year without buying additional kits.

Gift Potential

The presentation and packaging make this an excellent birthday or holiday gift for a homeschooling family. The box looks substantial, and the variety means there is something for every interest, from chemistry fans to kids who love colorful visual experiments.

5. Thames and Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station – Best Lab Station Format

The Ooze Labs Chemistry Station from Thames and Kosmos takes a different approach from the other kits on this list. Instead of pulling supplies out of a box, kids get an actual physical lab station with clips for experiment cards, built-in holders for test tubes and beakers, and a working tray system. My kids felt like they were working in a real laboratory.

The station includes 57 pieces and comes with twenty non-hazardous experiments. The slime and ooze activities were the biggest hits in our house. Making glowing slime and fizzing reactions kept my six-year-old engaged for full afternoons. I appreciated that the chemicals are explicitly labeled as non-hazardous and do not contain borax, which gave me peace of mind with younger kids around.

The experiment card system is genuinely clever. Each card clips directly onto the station so kids can read the instructions while their hands are busy with materials. The sixteen-page full-color manual explains the science behind each reaction, which helps turn play time into learning time without kids feeling like they are doing schoolwork.

Assembly is required, and it took me about twenty minutes to put the station together. Some of the experiments require household items like red cabbage, baking soda, and vinegar. A few reviewers noted that the experiments can be done with household items alone, making the physical station the main draw. I found the station itself added enough engagement value to justify the price.

Best for Younger Scientists

This kit is rated for ages 6 and up, making it one of the few options that works well for early elementary students. The non-hazardous chemicals and sturdy station design make it a safe choice for families with curious younger kids who want to do real experiments.

Durability and Long-Term Play

The plastic station is durable enough to survive regular use by multiple children. After the included experiments run out, you can continue using the station with your own household supplies, extending the life of the kit well beyond the initial twenty activities.

6. National Geographic Microscope for Kids – Best Beginner Biology Kit

A microscope opens up an entire world of biology that textbooks simply cannot show. The National Geographic Kids Microscope was the first real microscope my children used, and the look on their faces when they saw onion skin cells at 400x magnification was unforgettable. This kit includes the microscope, prepared slides, blank slides, and rock specimens for a complete biology starter package.

The microscope offers three magnification levels up to 400x, with LED lights both above and below the stage. This dual lighting lets kids view both transparent specimens like plant slices and solid objects like rocks and minerals. The six prepared plant slides mean you can start exploring immediately without having to make your own slides first.

For homeschool biology units, this microscope pairs perfectly with nature study and cell biology lessons. My kids collected pond water, examined leaves, and even looked at the fibers in their socks. The included lab guide suggests viewing activities that help structure the learning rather than just letting kids randomly look at things. If you want more microscope options, our guide to the best microscopes for kids covers additional models.

The main complaint from users is that the focus knob can be stiff and difficult for small hands to adjust smoothly. I found that my kids needed some practice to get the hang of fine focusing. The included slide selection is basic, so you may want to purchase additional prepared slides if your kids get hooked on microscopy.

Best Age Range for First Microscope

This microscope is ideal for ages 5 to 10 as a first instrument. The large focus knobs and adjustable platform are designed for small hands. For older kids ready for more advanced work, consider upgrading to a compound microscope with higher magnification and mechanical stage controls.

What You Can Actually See

At 400x magnification, kids can see plant cells, insect wings, fabric fibers, and the structure of rocks and minerals. The prepared slides give immediate gratification, while the blank slides let kids create their own specimens from household items like hair, salt crystals, and flower petals.

7. Insect Lore Butterfly Garden Kit – Best Life Science Experience

Of all the science kits we tested, the Insect Lore Butterfly Garden created the most lasting memories. Watching five caterpillars transform into painted lady butterflies over three weeks was an experience my kids still talk about. This is not a one-afternoon activity. It is a genuine long-term biology project that teaches patience, observation, and the life cycle in a way no diagram ever could.

The kit includes a reusable mesh habitat, a pipette for feeding the butterflies, a STEM journal for documenting observations, and a voucher for five caterpillars. The caterpillars arrive in a small cup with all the food they need, so you do not have to handle them until they are ready to move to the habitat. My kids checked on their caterpillars every morning and recorded the changes in their journals.

With over 23,000 reviews, this is one of the most purchased homeschool science kits on the market. The habitat is well-made and sturdy enough to fold flat for storage between uses. The metamorphosis process is reliable, and Insect Lore ships healthy caterpillars from their California facility. Releasing the butterflies on a warm day was a beautiful moment for our whole family.

The main catch is that the caterpillar voucher requires a separate shipping fee of around eleven dollars, which is not included in the kit price. You also cannot keep the butterflies indefinitely, so this is a finite project rather than an ongoing pet. Some international customers have reported issues with the voucher website, so check availability in your region before purchasing.

Best for Multi-Age Households

This kit works beautifully for families with kids of different ages. A four-year-old can observe and draw pictures, while an older sibling writes detailed journal entries about each stage of metamorphosis. The shared experience makes it one of the best kits for bringing multiple kids together around a single project.

Reusing the Habitat

The mesh habitat is reusable, so you can order new caterpillars in future years for younger siblings. This makes the initial investment more worthwhile since you only need to pay for the caterpillar refill rather than buying the entire kit again.

8. National Geographic Circuit Maker Kit – Best Physics and Electronics Kit

The Circuit Maker Kit from National Geographic is the highest-rated product on this list with a 4.8 star rating, and after testing it I can see why. This kit teaches electrical engineering concepts through 120 hands-on projects where kids build working circuits that create light shows, play songs, and even launch a small helicopter. No tools are required because the components snap together securely.

My son was instantly hooked. The first project took about ten minutes to build, and he had a working LED circuit that lit up when he pressed a switch. By the end of the first day, he had built the sound system project that amplified his voice through a speaker. The progression from simple to complex projects builds confidence and teaches real circuit concepts without kids realizing they are learning physics.

The components are rugged and durable, which is important when kids are snapping and unsnapping pieces repeatedly. A QR code on the box links to video instructions that walk through each project visually. My kids preferred watching the videos over reading the manual, and the videos made it easy for them to work independently.

The kit requires AA batteries, which are not included, so stock up before you start. Some reviewers noted that a few projects did not work exactly as shown in the instructions, usually due to loose connections. We found that making sure each snap connection was firmly seated solved most issues. Winner of the Toy Association Toy of the Year Award, this kit delivers exceptional quality for the price.

Best for Independent Learning

The video instructions and snap-together design make this kit ideal for self-directed learning. Kids as young as seven can follow along with the videos and complete projects on their own, freeing up parents to work with other children or handle other tasks.

How It Teaches Real Electronics

Unlike simplified circuit toys, this kit uses actual electrical components and teaches concepts like series circuits, parallel circuits, switches, and resistance. Kids learn to read circuit diagrams and understand how current flows, which provides a genuine foundation for future physics and engineering study.

9. Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set – Best for Preschool and Kindergarten

Finding a science kit that actually works for three and four-year-olds is surprisingly difficult. Most kits are rated for ages eight and up, leaving preschool parents with few options. The Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set fills that gap with oversized, durable tools designed specifically for small hands. My youngest spent an entire afternoon pouring water between beakers and feeling like a real scientist.

The set includes 22 pieces: a beaker, magnifying glass, funnel, eyedropper, flask, tweezers, goggles, a large test tube with stand, two small test tubes, and ten double-sided activity cards. The thick plastic construction survived multiple drops on our kitchen floor without cracking. The goggles made my three-year-old feel official, even though the experiments are completely safe.

The activity cards are the secret weapon of this kit. Each card describes a simple experiment using household items, with visual instructions that non-readers can follow. The volcano card was the favorite in our house, using baking soda and vinegar in the small flask to create a controlled eruption. The color mixing activities using food coloring and water were also a hit.

The main drawback is that the included tools are starter quality. The magnifying glass is basic plastic with low magnification, and the tweezers were too stiff for my three-year-old to operate easily. Some activity cards require more ingredients than expected, so read through them before promising an experiment. For introducing young children to the concept of science tools and experimentation though, this set is excellent.

Best for Pretend Play and Early Science

This set works double duty as both a science tool and a pretend play kit. Young kids love dressing up as scientists and conducting their own imaginary experiments. The durable tools hold up to enthusiastic play and can transition into real experiment use as children grow.

Transitioning to More Advanced Kits

Once your child outgrows this set around age six or seven, the tools can still be used alongside more advanced kits. The beakers and test tubes are functional for simple chemistry experiments, making this a kit that grows with your child rather than being discarded after a few months.

10. Be Amazing Interactive Human Body Model – Best Anatomy Kit

Anatomy is a subject that benefits enormously from three-dimensional learning. The Be Amazing Interactive Human Body model gives kids a 14-inch tall poseable figure with 60 removable pieces including bones, muscles, and squishy organs. My kids spent an afternoon assembling the skeleton and then carefully placing each organ in its correct position, learning the names and functions as they went.

The model is surprisingly detailed for the price. The ball-and-socket shoulder joints and hinge elbows mimic actual human anatomy, which led to a great discussion about how joints work. The squishy organs have a tactile quality that helps kids remember them. My daughter still talks about the spongy texture of the lung model and the firmness of the liver.

The illustrated instruction cards walk through the body systems one at a time, which works well for a unit study approach. We used one card per week during our anatomy unit, focusing on the skeletal system first, then muscles, then organs. The transparent display stand lets kids pose the completed model on a shelf as a visual reminder of what they learned.

The main frustration is that pieces can fall off during handling. Attaching the muscles over the skeleton requires patience and a steady hand, and younger kids may knock pieces off while trying to add new ones. I recommend supervising the initial assembly and then letting kids explore the completed model. Small parts make this unsuitable for children under three.

Best for Anatomy Unit Studies

This model is ideal for a focused anatomy unit lasting four to six weeks. The body system cards let you break the learning into manageable chunks, and the hands-on assembly process reinforces spatial understanding of where organs sit relative to each other.

Combining with Biology Curriculum

If you are using a biology curriculum that covers human body systems, this model provides the visual and tactile component that textbooks lack. It works well alongside Apologia Human Anatomy, R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Life Science, or any unit that covers body systems.

11. LINKTOR Chemistry Molecular Model Kit – Best for Visual Chemistry Learning

Some chemistry concepts are nearly impossible to understand from a flat page. Molecular geometry, bond angles, and three-dimensional structure only make sense when you can hold a model in your hands and rotate it. The LINKTOR Molecular Model Kit includes 444 pieces that let students build everything from simple water molecules to complex organic compounds and fullerenes.

I used this kit alongside my son’s middle school chemistry unit, and the difference in comprehension was immediate. Building a methane molecule and seeing the tetrahedral shape with his own eyes made the concept stick in a way that textbook diagrams never did. The disconnect tool makes it easy to take models apart and rebuild, so kids can experiment freely without getting frustrated.

The kit is suitable for grades 7 through graduate level, which means it grows with your student. The ball-and-stick models work for basic teaching, while the space-filling models support advanced study. Standard atom color coding matches what students will see in textbooks and on exams, reinforcing consistent visual learning.

The drawbacks are minor but worth knowing. Some oxygen atoms have only two holes, which limits the ability to show lone pairs. A few carbon atoms have three holes instead of four, which can be confusing when building certain molecules. The storage box does not stay closed reliably, so consider transferring the pieces to a container with a secure lid.

Best Grade Level for Molecular Models

This kit is most valuable for students in grades 7 through 12 who are studying chemical bonding, molecular geometry, and organic chemistry. Younger students may enjoy building simple molecules, but the educational value increases significantly once they are learning formal chemistry concepts.

Using It Alongside Curriculum

The model kit works as a supplement to any chemistry curriculum. When your student encounters a new molecule or bonding concept, have them build it with the model kit. The physical act of connecting atoms and seeing bond angles form makes abstract chemistry tangible and memorable.

12. UNGLINGA 150 Experiments Science Kit – Best for Experiment Variety

The UNGLINGA 150 Experiments kit is the big sibling to the 70-experiment kit we reviewed earlier. For families who want maximum experiment variety in a single purchase, this kit delivers 150 activities covering earth science, chemistry, physics, and surface tension experiments. At around twenty-four dollars, the cost per experiment is remarkably low.

My kids gravitated toward the volcano project and the color-changing chemistry experiments first. The included safety goggles made them feel like professional scientists, and the high-quality plastic lab tools held up well through repeated use. The step-by-step illustrated manual covers each experiment with enough detail that my eight-year-old could follow most activities independently.

The breadth of topics is what makes this kit valuable for homeschool families. Instead of buying separate kits for chemistry, physics, and earth science, you get a sampler of all three. This works well for families who use an eclectic approach to science or who want to supplement their main curriculum with occasional hands-on activities across multiple subjects.

The main concerns from reviewers involve occasional missing pieces and instruction clarity. I recommend inventorying the kit contents when it arrives and contacting the seller immediately if anything is missing. The instructions are illustrated but occasionally lack written detail, so be prepared to troubleshoot an experiment or two. Note that the kit contains latex, so it is not suitable for children with latex allergies.

Cost Per Experiment Analysis

At roughly twenty-four dollars for 150 experiments, you are paying about sixteen cents per activity. This is the best cost-per-experiment ratio of any kit on this list. Even accounting for the household items you will need to supplement, the overall value is outstanding for budget-conscious families.

Best for Supplemental Use

This kit works best as a supplement to your main science curriculum rather than a standalone program. Pull out an experiment or two each week to reinforce concepts from your textbook or online lessons. The variety keeps kids engaged and prevents science from feeling repetitive.

How to Choose the Best Homeschool Science Kit

Choosing the right science kit depends on your child’s age, your curriculum, your budget, and how much hands-on time you can commit. After testing twelve kits and reading thousands of parent reviews, here are the factors that matter most.

Match the Kit to Your Child’s Age

Age range is the single most important factor. A kit designed for ages 8 and up will frustrate a five-year-old, while a preschool kit will bore a ten-year-old. For ages 3 to 6, the Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set is the clear winner. For ages 6 to 9, kits like the Thames and Kosmos Ooze Labs Station and the National Geographic Earth Science Kit hit the sweet spot. For ages 10 and up, the LINKTOR Molecular Model Kit and more advanced chemistry sets provide appropriate challenge.

Consider Your Science Subject Focus

Think about what your curriculum covers this year. For chemistry units, the National Geographic Amazing Chemistry Set or Doctor Jupiter Ultimate Kit are excellent. For biology, the Insect Lore Butterfly Garden and the National Geographic Microscope cover life science hands-on. For physics and electronics, the National Geographic Circuit Maker Kit is unmatched. For anatomy, the Be Amazing Human Body Model brings textbook diagrams to life.

Calculate the True Cost

Look beyond the sticker price to the cost per experiment. A forty-dollar kit with fifteen experiments costs about $2.67 per activity. A twenty-dollar kit with seventy experiments costs about twenty-eight cents per activity. Also factor in additional purchases like batteries, household supplies, or caterpillar shipping fees. The UNGLINGA kits offer the best raw value, while the National Geographic kits offer premium quality at a moderate price.

Subscription Versus One-Time Purchase

One-time kits like the ones on this list give you everything upfront for a known price. Subscription boxes like KiwiCo or MEL Science deliver monthly experiments for a recurring fee, which can add up to hundreds of dollars per year. Subscriptions work well for families who want ongoing novelty and structured pacing. One-time kits work better for families who want to control their spending and choose specific subjects. For families exploring educational toys for 10 year olds, one-time kits often provide better long-term value.

Secular Versus Religious Content

Many homeschool families specifically look for secular science kits that present evolution, geologic time scales, and climate science without religious framing. All twelve kits on this list present mainstream scientific content. If you use a faith-based curriculum like Apologia and want kits that complement it, the National Geographic and Learning Resources kits pair well with Christian science curricula while remaining fact-based in their own content.

Storage and Organization Tips

Science kits generate a lot of small parts. Designate a plastic bin or shelf for science supplies before your kit arrives. Keep chemicals in their original labeled containers and store them away from younger children. Save the instruction manuals in a folder so you can reference them when younger siblings use the same kit in future years. Good organization extends the life of your investment significantly.

Multi-Age Family Strategies

If you have multiple children, look for kits that work across age ranges. The Insect Lore Butterfly Garden and National Geographic Earth Science Kit both engage kids from ages 4 to 12 at different levels. Have older children write lab reports while younger ones draw pictures. You can also stretch a single kit by having siblings take turns as the lead scientist. For downtime between experiments, our list of educational board games keeps the learning going.

FAQ

Final Thoughts on the Best Homeschool Science Kits

After testing twelve kits across chemistry, biology, physics, earth science, and anatomy, the National Geographic Earth Science Kit remains my top recommendation for most homeschool families. Its combination of experiment variety, educational depth, clear instructions, and reasonable price makes it the best overall pick among the best homeschool science kits in 2026. For budget-conscious families, the UNGLINGA kits deliver outstanding experiment-per-dollar value. For younger scientists, the Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Set opens the door to science exploration at age three.

The right kit transforms science from a subject your kids tolerate into the highlight of their week. Start with one kit that matches your current curriculum unit, and let your child’s curiosity guide what you explore next. With the options on this list, you can build a hands-on science program that rivals any traditional classroom lab.