Planning Rationale
Elementary Schools shall have equitable opportunities to learn about science and engineering practices; with access to spaces, equipment, and an environment that motivates learning through student engagement. The intention is to promote discussion, teacher demonstrations, collaboration, student presentation and hands on experimentation. These classrooms allow for the teachers and students to have the flexibility in how the spaces are used and allow for instruction of varied curriculum in life and physical sciences. Lecture, discussion, multimedia, hands-on, and computerized virtual experimentation shall be facilitated.
Design Considerations
Location
To be distributed between the 2nd and 3rd floors.
Classroom Layout
The size and organization of science classrooms are intended to provide an interactive space for collaboration, discussion, entry-level laboratory experiments and teacher demonstrations. The classroom design shall include:
- Student seating shall be arranged with shared epoxy resin top work tables with stools to accommodate either 2 or 4 students. The student seating shall face the primary teaching wall and the Teaching Demonstration Island.
- A Teacher’s Demonstration Island with epoxy resin top table, integrated lab sink, and power shall be provided and located in front of the Primary Teaching Wall. Gas/gas turrets are NOT provided, however, a portable gas burner may be used. A teacher’s desk and chair shall be provided directly adjacent to the demonstration station.
- Hand held marker boards that can that be hung on the wall or at the student desks should be considered for student interaction.
- Adequate floor space is required that is flexible for large experiments, student work and interaction.
- One Student Station that includes a sink with a pegboard drying rack located directly above or near sink with integral drip sill and hose to sink (hose must have access to drain into sink).
- Safety components shall be provided and include a Emergency Center, Goggle Sanitizing Station, Emergency Eye and Face Wash, and Apron Rack.
- See 3.1.1 Grades 1-8 Classroom for additional requirements.
Science Prep/Work Room
These rooms shall be located directly adjacent to a science classroom. The primary function for the storage/ prep room is to store totes that contain the unit lessons as well as other equipment, a key lock box, and a small refrigerator.