The Science of Lab Planning
By: Eddie Adkins
A well-designed middle or high school science lab inspires student creativity and innovation. State-of-the-art science labs encourage teachers to maximize both classroom space and time.
Yet, many science labs consist of outdated equipment and awkward classroom setups that create chaos instead of inspiring imagination. With a variety of inventive and affordable products now available on the market, quality science labs are feasible for any school.
The basics of lab design include laboratory safety, student supervision, student/teacher sight lines, instructor preparation time, ADA requirements, and proper utilization of floor space. Now, more than ever before, the basics of lab design can be met with high-quality lab equipment.
All the sciences are exciting fields of study, where discoveries are made and theories are explored. Science labs should be places, then, where students are motivated to think outside the box and to safely enjoy learning.
Lab equipment on the market today comes in various models, colors, and wood finishes to save space and to ensure quality classroom time for both instructors and students. Such designs allow classroom labs to be both visually aesthetic and functional.
Traditionally designed labs are too often equipped with dark, bulky pier tables along the sides of the room, which are not especially conducive to the learning process. This type of setup, though still found in many school labs, does not efficiently or effectively use classroom space or stimulate maximum creative thinking. Such an arrangement leaves unused space at the middle of the room, proving unbeneficial to instructors and students.
And, as students work on lab projects, only some are able to observe instructor demonstrations. When desks are centered with lab tables on either side, space for instructor interaction with students is restricted. Counter space is often wasted as students must reach across the counter to access services. Aisles are obstructed, and students must adjust body positions to work in pairs.
The lecture position of many science classrooms consists of a lectern facing student desks that are lined up by rows. This arrangement is stiff and formal, not easily fostering enthusiastic participation from students.
Fortunately, a select few laboratory equipment manufacturers have sought to improve lab design options. Up-to-date science labs and multi-discipline lab stations provide sleekly designed tables that allow students better sight lines and mobility within lab spaces.
Well-planned labs ensure unobstructed aisles, well-defined work areas, larger sinks, convenient access to services, teacher assistance without encroachment, and easy access to storage.
Modern lab equipment is durable for today’s classroom and comes in a variety of handsome wood varieties and finishes and vivid colors that may be customized to meet the specific needs of a classroom. Lab equipment manufacturers have now designed lab equipment ideal for biology, chemistry, physics, and multi-purpose labs.
By listening to educators, students, architects and administrators, good lab planners can facilitate and incorporate each one of these stakeholders’ ideas and create a learning environment that ensures safety, flexibility, and durability.
Designing and building (or renovating) school labs is generally a once every 30-40 year project, and it is critical the process be done in conjunction with companies that have the experience of listening to and creating spaces for educators.
Every teacher loves to have more room and “new stuff” but it needs to be well-thought-out for the long term. Most manufacturers can provide these expert planning services free of charge.
Environments conducive to learning encourage each student to reach his or her potential. An organized, accessible, visually appealing classroom space will keep students focused and alert.
With a variety of lab equipment products on the market today, a well-designed science lab is an easily achievable goal.
Eddie Adkins is president of Sheldon Laboratory Systems, Inc. Since 1898, innovation and quality have made Sheldon a leader in laboratory design and furnishings. Sheldon plays an active role in the educational process of students by providing innovative, reliable, and affordable products, www.sheldonlabs.com.
