Purpose
Centralized area for storing chemicals, equipment, consumables, specimens, and shared department resources.
Activities
- Chemical prep and dilution
- Equipment sharing and checkout
- Teacher collaboration
- Lab setup and cleanup
- Glassware washing
Key Features
- Access from multiple classrooms (preferably via back doors)
- Sinks (including deep prep sink)
- Dishwasher (commercial) for glassware
- Chemical-safe flooring
- Dedicated chemical storage zone
- Teacher workspace with tables
- Staff restrooms nearby
- Refrigerator/freezer for biology/anatomy needs
- Secure morgue area (for marine biology/anatomy specimens)
Desired Configuration
High School (similar to Murrieta Valley HS):
- Back hallway linking all science rooms
- Shared storage areas centrally located
- Teacher collaboration and break space integrated
Middle School:
- Prep room between every two classrooms
- OR a single central work room comparable to the high school model
- All rooms built to science standards (not mixed art/computer rooms)
SPECIALIZED SCIENCE LABS (HIGH SCHOOL)
Different subjects require variations:
1. Chemistry
- Gas supply
- Fume hood(s) per room
- Additional chemical-resistant counters
- Acid and flammables cabinets
- Eyewash + emergency shower
- Higher number of sinks
2. Physics
- Larger open floor area
- Ceiling power reels
- Secure storage for carts, tracks, sensors
- Higher durability tables (no sinks required except one demonstration sink)
3. Biology / Anatomy
- Storage for specimens
- Refrigerator/freezer
- Models & dissection equipment
- Deep sinks
- Ventilated storage for preservatives
4. Environmental Science / Marine Biology
- Hot/cold water critical
- Deep sinks or utility sink(s)
- Storage for field equipment
- Ventilation for preserved specimens
OUTDOOR LEARNING AREAS
Teachers at every level emphasized the value of outdoor labs for:
- Ecology fieldwork
- Solar ovens
- Engineering projects
- Roller coasters, egg drop, energy labs
- Wet/dry station rotation
Essential Criteria
- Shaded area
- Electrical outlets
- Secure / supervisable
- Outdoor hose bib or sink (optional but desirable)
- Durable surface (not loose dirt)
- Fence or perimeter barrier where adjacent to streets
ACOUSTIC & LIGHTING CONSIDERATIONS
Lighting
Needs:
- Dimmable LED lighting
- Reduced glare
- Full-room coverage even without windows
- Projector placement that does not cover the entire whiteboard
Some teachers recommended moving whiteboards to maximize usable surface.
Daylighting
- Moderate natural light preferred, but with shades
- Light-shelves discouraged due to maintenance issues
- Acoustic baffles or sound clouds recommended if using exposed ceilings
Flooring
Most teachers supported:
- Polished concrete
- Durable, low-maintenance
- Works if acoustics are balanced
Purpose
Centralized area for storing chemicals, equipment, consumables, specimens, and shared department resources.
Activities
- Chemical prep and dilution
- Equipment sharing and checkout
- Teacher collaboration
- Lab setup and cleanup
- Glassware washing
Key Features
- Access from multiple classrooms (preferably via back doors)
- Sinks (including deep prep sink)
- Dishwasher (commercial) for glassware
- Chemical-safe flooring
- Dedicated chemical storage zone
- Teacher workspace with tables
- Staff restrooms nearby
- Refrigerator/freezer for biology/anatomy needs
- Secure morgue area (for marine biology/anatomy specimens)
Desired Configuration
High School (similar to Murrieta Valley HS):
- Back hallway linking all science rooms
- Shared storage areas centrally located
- Teacher collaboration and break space integrated
Middle School:
- Prep room between every two classrooms
- OR a single central work room comparable to the high school model
- All rooms built to science standards (not mixed art/computer rooms)
SPECIALIZED SCIENCE LABS (HIGH SCHOOL)
Different subjects require variations:
1. Chemistry
- Gas supply
- Fume hood(s) per room
- Additional chemical-resistant counters
- Acid and flammables cabinets
- Eyewash + emergency shower
- Higher number of sinks
2. Physics
- Larger open floor area
- Ceiling power reels
- Secure storage for carts, tracks, sensors
- Higher durability tables (no sinks required except one demonstration sink)
3. Biology / Anatomy
- Storage for specimens
- Refrigerator/freezer
- Models & dissection equipment
- Deep sinks
- Ventilated storage for preservatives
4. Environmental Science / Marine Biology
- Hot/cold water critical
- Deep sinks or utility sink(s)
- Storage for field equipment
- Ventilation for preserved specimens
OUTDOOR LEARNING AREAS
Teachers at every level emphasized the value of outdoor labs for:
- Ecology fieldwork
- Solar ovens
- Engineering projects
- Roller coasters, egg drop, energy labs
- Wet/dry station rotation
Essential Criteria
- Shaded area
- Electrical outlets
- Secure / supervisable
- Outdoor hose bib or sink (optional but desirable)
- Durable surface (not loose dirt)
- Fence or perimeter barrier where adjacent to streets
ACOUSTIC & LIGHTING CONSIDERATIONS
Lighting
Needs:
- Dimmable LED lighting
- Reduced glare
- Full-room coverage even without windows
- Projector placement that does not cover the entire whiteboard
Some teachers recommended moving whiteboards to maximize usable surface.
Daylighting
- Moderate natural light preferred, but with shades
- Light-shelves discouraged due to maintenance issues
- Acoustic baffles or sound clouds recommended if using exposed ceilings
Flooring
Most teachers supported:
- Polished concrete
- Durable, low-maintenance
- Works if acoustics are balanced
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