Planning the Middle School Science Classroom
LIGHTING
Lighting should be three-tube fluorescent fixtures with parabolic grid
lenses. Pendant, indirect fixtures, popular in current classroom design,
tend to bounce light around the space and wash out images on projection
screens and are not recommended. Switching the three tubes in the fixtures
so that one, two or three tubes can be on at one time gives a good measure
of room light control.
CASEWORK AND SINKS
Fixed perimeter casework allows the interior space to be as flexible
as possible. Four large, deep perimeter sinks, with hot and cold water,
for a classroom serving 24, are probably adequate (at least one sink
should satisfy the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
"ADA›). One "RinseAway" model sink, with a 72 inch-long, recessed, molded
fiberglass top sloping to a drain, allows the cleanup of large items.
This sink should be equipped with a plaster trap.
GAS
A school I’m working with in Denver carried out an experiment teaching
their entire middle and high school curriculum for one year without
gas; they found that they did not miss it. New hotplate designs are
small, draw relatively little electrical current, and are quick to heat
and then cool off after use.
FURNITURE
Rectangular, movable student tables provide the most flexibility for
a wide variety of inquiry-based programs; they can be arranged for lecture
mode, or for small group or individual projects. Table construction
should be sturdy; pay particular attention to the joint between the
leg and frame. Some very sturdy, metal-framed tables have recently come
on the market.
SURFACES
Tabletops and countertops should be of epoxy resin for durability and
resistance to chemicals. Using a 3/4-inch thick top can make the heavier
tables easier to move around. A table for two students
should be at least 21 inches deep by 54 inches wide (24 inches x 72 inches
is better) and 30 inches high for microscope work. Perimeter counters
should be 36 inches high except at the accessible station.
TECHNOLOGY
Many schools are moving to laptop computers, which take up very little
space on a countertop and can be stored in the prep room in a lockable
cabinet with plug strips for recharging batteries. Wiring for Internet
and local area networks will still be needed until the bandwidth of wireless
networks is significantly improved for full color, motion displays. A
three-cell, surface mounted raceway above the back-splash of the countertop
can distribute power, data and coaxial cable at the perimeter. The coax
allows a student to plug in a mini-video camera anywhere in the room and
project an image, using a video/data projector, on a large projection
screen for the whole class to view. The same projector could also project
a computer screen image from anywhere in the room.
POWER
Recessed floor boxes with hinged covers that are flush with the floor
surface when closed, can bring power, data and video connections to the
interior of the room. Provide at least six 20 amp power circuits in a
science classroom.
VENTILATION
Science classrooms should have a higher level of fresh air ventilation
than a typical classroom; the prep space and storage room should be ventilated
with at least six air changes per hour. At the middle school level, a
fume hood is probably not necessary.
SAFETY
Provide a combination safety shower/eyewash unit, with the eyewash bowl
and shower handle lowered to ADA reach standards. If a floor drain is
provided, it must be equipped with a trap primer to eliminate odors. When
the safety shower is used or tested, a custodian still must mop the area
whether or not the drain is provided.
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