Science Classroom

Purpose

To support laboratory-based instruction, safe experimentation, and hands-on scientific instruction combining lecture, lab, demonstration, and small-group work.

Primary Activities

• Demonstrations and lab activities
• Hands-on experiments requiring sink access
• Traditional instruction and note-taking
• Movement-intensive leadership or project-based learning
• Lab experiments (wet and dry labs)
• Microscope work
• Engineering challenges (roller coasters, egg drop, cars)
• Chemical investigations
• Safety training and demonstrations
• Group collaboration and data analysis
• Digital instruction (projectors, screens, devices)
• Testing

Key Features & Equipment Requirements

• Hard, chemical-resistant floors (e.g., epoxy)

Flexible, Mobile Furniture

• Counter-height mobile lab tables
• Lightweight, durable, easy to configure
• Chemical-resistant tops
• NO wheels on stools (but tables may have lockable casters, used sparingly)
• Seating that supports lecture AND lab work

This allows:

• Testing rows
• Small groups
• Perimeter lab alignment
• Whole-class demonstrations

Perimeter Lab Stations

The preferred layout (both middle and high school):

• Adequate circulation space for backpacks and teacher movement
• Multiple sinks spaced around perimeter
• Durable, chemical-resistant counters
• GFCI outlets integrated into perimeter
• Base and upper cabinets for equipment
• Lockable storage beneath counters

Benefits:

• Clear center of room for flexible tables
• Safety (easier supervision)
• Efficient access for groups rotating through stations

Sinks and Plumbing

Needs differ slightly by level:

Middle School:

• 4–6 perimeter sinks
• Hot/cold water preferred
• Reduce the number of student sinks in center islands
• Eye wash station

High School:

• 8–9 sinks (current standard at some sites)
• Hot water is essential for many labs
• Emergency shower + eyewash
• Appropriate location/height

Universal Need:
Hot water heaters compliant with OSHA requirements for eyewash/shower stations.

Gas & Electrical

• Chemistry needs gas jets; other subjects do not
• Gas lines should be limited to rooms requiring them
• No gas jets at middle schools 
• Electricity available throughout room, including 
  
  • Perimeter GFCI outlets
  • Teacher demonstration station
  • Ceiling-mounted power reels (preferred over floor boxes)
  • USB / USB-C integrated outlets

Teacher Demonstration Station

Teachers prefer a fixed demonstration station with:

• Sink (optional for some, essential for others)
• Electrical
• Data/AV connections
• Durable surface
• Storage for demo equipment

Storage—A Universal Need

Overwhelmingly identified as the largest deficit.

Storage must include:

A. Classroom Storage

• Lockable cabinets (with working locks & universal key system)
• Tall cabinets for bulky items
• Earthquake-safe anchoring
• Open shelving for bins
• Dedicated goggle storage (vented, dust-free)

B. Chemical Storage

• Ventilated, compliant flammables cabinet(s)
• Acid cabinet (vented properly)
• Secure explosive/reactive chemicals storage
• Sufficient volume for current inventory (many sites are full)

C. Lab Equipment Storage

• Space for microscopes
• Glassware
• Models and specimens (including dissections)
• Engineering materials
• Standardized bin system aligned with curriculum kits

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