Micropipets are a common laboratory instrument used for moving very small volumes of liquid, typically measured in microliters (µl), or 1/1000 of a milliliter. The micropipets and equipment in the kit are the same as those found in research laboratories.
Measuring very small metric volumes is essential for working with DNA samples, reagents, and enzymes like those found in the Gel Electrophoresis Kits.
Using micropipets offers an opportunity to consider several important concepts, especially accuracy and precision (or reproducibile vs. variable). Micropipets offer an engaging immersion in using metric volume measurements. For example, what's the volume of a red blood cell? How big are inkjet printer ink drops? How much liquid is in a tear drop?
2017 Updates
Measure for Measure Resources
Disclaimer: Please note that these updates are still being worked on. We'd appreciate any feedback on how we can continue to improve. If you use the updated materials in your classroom, please let us know how it went by emailing us at sep@fredhutch.org.
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Measure for Measure - Tech GuideStudent guide for learning to micropipet.
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Measure for Measure - Teacher GuideTeacher Guide for teaching micropipetting.
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Measure for Measure WorksheetA concepts practice worksheet focusing on metric conversion, rules for micropipetting, reading/setting a micropipet, and using a microcentrifuge.
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How to Use a Micropipet - Quick GuideThis is a two-page quick guide for learning to micropipet. Students can follow along with the steps to learn proper technique.
Editable Word Versions
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Measure for Measure - Tech GuideStudent guide for learning to micropipet.
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Measure for Measure - Teacher GuideTeacher Guide for teaching micropipetting
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Measure for Measure Worksheet (editable)A concepts practice worksheet focusing on metric conversion, rules for micropipetting, reading/setting a micropipet, and using a microcentrifuge.
Kit Description
| Kit | Type | Ranges |
| #1 | Ulster | P10, P20, P200, P1000 |
| #2 | Oxford | P10, P100, P1000 |
| #3 | Gilson/Rainin | P10, P20, P200, P1000 |
| #4 | Gilson/Rainin | P10, P20, P200, P1000 |
1 Crate per Kit
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Micropipet Inventory ListInventory List for Micropipet #1. Shows all the items to expect in the crate.
Videos and Virtual Labs
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Meters, liters, and grams YouTube VideoFun rap with conversions to help learn the metric system.
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Interactive Lab to Learn Pipetting
From BioNetwork. Select an avatar who will be the new quality assurance professional at a biotech company. Check out the pipetting techniques of staff and coach their performance.
Extra Activities
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Pipet Pointilism
Pipet by Numbers or Pipet Pointillism is a fun way to learn micropipetting skills using acrylic paints. This activity was developed by the World Biotech Tour.
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Micropipet: Win or Fail?This PPT has animated GIFs and images from popular TV shows and movies. Run through this and decide whether the actors are using good or bad technique.
Gilson/Rainin Micropipets
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Measure For Measure (G/R/U) - Student GuideMeasure For Measure Student Guide for Gilson/Rainin and Ulster Micropipets.
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Gilson/Rainin Micropipet Protocol Cards
Two page diagram to help students understand how to adjust volume, distinguish between pipets, and visualize the "stops". -
Gilson/Rainin Micropipet QuizQuiz to assess understanding of the different pipet sizes, amounts, and displays.
Ulster Micropipet
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Measure For Measure (G/R/U) - Student GuideMeasure For Measure Student Guide for Gilson/Rainin and Ulster Micropipets.
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Ulster Micropipet Protocol Cards
Two page diagram to help students understand how to adjust volume, distinguish between pipets, and visualize the "stops". -
Ulster Micropipet QuizQuiz to assess understanding of the different pipet sizes, amounts, and displays.
Oxford Micropipet
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Measure for Measure Oxford (4set) - Student GuideMeasure for Measure student guide for the Oxford Pipet set with P10, P20, P200, and P1000 micropipets.
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Measure for Measure Oxford (3set) - Student GuideMeasure of Measure student guides for the Oxford Pipet Set with P10, P100, and P1000 micropipets.
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Oxford Micropipet Protocol Cards
Two page diagram to help students understand how to adjust volume, distinguish between pipets, and visualize the "stops". -
Oxford Micropipet QuizQuiz to assess understanding of the different pipet sizes, amounts, and displays.
Finn Micropipet
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Finn Micropipet Protocol Card
Two page diagram to help students understand how to adjust volume, distinguish between pipets, and visualize the "stops".
Clip Art and Graphics
Microtube Volumes
Downloadable clipart of microtubes filled with various quantities of liquid to help teachers and students "eyeball" different amounts.
Micropipets
Illustrations covering the different types of micropipets (Gilson/Rainin, Ulster and Oxford) included in SEP kits.
Gel Electrophoresis
Basic illustrations of the Dye Lab and Gel Lab protocols.
Micropipet Certified Stamp
This image can be used as a stamp or sticker given to students for learning proper micropipetting techiniques.
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Common Microtube Quantities
Illustrations to help teachers and students "eyeball" different volumes in microtubes. A graphic showing microtubes filled with common quantities for common.