Researching Information on Tools schmied/reid©2010 all rights reserved
There are a couple scientific supply sites that you can use to help you find the name, features, and prices of equipment. Determining the purpose is something a little different because these companies figure you already know the purpose of each tool, or why would you buy it to start with! In any event, when all else fails, ask the instructor. (btw the links here do not constitute an endorsement of any supplier over another.)
Carolina Supply (go to product catalog)
Sargent Welch (go to labware)
Nasco (go to science, then lab supplies)