There’s no better place to learn about science, using practical methodology, than a school science lab. Few things help complement a student’s learning quite like, a well-taught lab. But if you don’t currently have a space that makes labs fun and interesting for students, you may be a bit frustrated. These tips can help you design the ideal school laboratory space.
- Think Location: There are many things to consider when you decide to build a lab. First, make certain you have plenty of natural light. That’s not only for experiments that demand it, but also to help give students the lighting they need to understanding things like color and appearance changes. Natural light isn’t the only location-based concern, though. Good ventilation is too. You need to ensure you have enough space to install a fume hood and you need to make sure the entire area is well ventilated just in case something should go wrong.
- Think Storage: You’ll need many different pieces of equipment to perform experiments in a school science lab, and the more storage you can build into the space, the better off you’ll be. You want to be sure that you have the space to store your equipment where it can be easily reached throughout the year and where you can access it safely at any point in time. You may even want to consider dual use lab furniture to make certain you have plenty of storage and lots of room to work at the same time.
- Think Layout: The plan you create for the room matters too. Most guides recommend planning 60 square feet for upper level students. Keep in mind, though, that most school labs have to do double duty, so if possible, you’ll want to incorporate individual learning areas as well as lab tables, sinks, and gas hookups. There are many different floor plans online to search to help you decide what might be right for your space, and utilizing the help of a project manager can also ensure you get the design you want for your space.
- Think Necessities: You’re going to need a few things for a great lab including gas taps, electrical outlets, sinks, and more. That may mean including additional contractors, but you’re building a lab to help educate students well into the next generation, so the key is to get everything you need the first time.
School science labs aren’t like regular classrooms, and that means they need specialized lab furniture that other spaces just don’t. As you get ready to design a school laboratory that meets your needs, please contact Carroll Seating Company to get the one-on-one help you need.