laboratory design and laboratory organization

education

1. LABORATORY DESIGN course code 8629

2. contents Definition of science lab 1 Designs of Laboratory and other facilities 2 Storage of Laboratory Equipment 3 Storage of Materials and Chemicals 4 Management of Pupils 5 Teaching Laboratory Classes

3. LABORATORY A room or building with scientific equipment for doing scientific tests or for teaching science, or a place where chemicals or medicines are produced . A room or building equipped for scientific experiments , research, or teaching, or for the manufacture of drugs or chemicals.

4. Science education has taken center stage in 12 class as a result of “No Child Left Behind” and the increasing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Enticing students into the world of science are improved science standards, expanded science curriculums, updated school science labs, and upgraded science lab furniture . Since science is all around us – from the air we breathe, to the food we eat, to the objects in our environment, to the technologies, systems, and machines we use – teachers at all grade levels have multiple opportunities to integrate science into their daily classrooms. Furthermore, developing effective scientific curriculums and science lab experiments helps cultivate in students a deeper understanding of the world around them . 1. Designs of laboratories and other facilities

5. Conti, According to the Association for Science Education (ASE), science education in schools provides multiple student benefits. In addition to fostering the budding scientists of tomorrow, a good science curriculum: Makes students think beyond the classroom Inspires curiosity and wonder about the world Illustrates science in multiple dimensions Includes safe, practical science activities Includes scientific experiments which excite s student

6. Conti,,, Increases awareness of students’ impact on the environment Develops logical reasoning, problem- solving, and analytical skills Improves communication skills Enhances perspective on global scientific issues Nurtures potential recruits for scientific careers

7. Designing a Successful School Science Lab With the push for higher state and national science standards, many schools are seeking means to update their antiquated science lab equipment and propel their school science laboratories into the 21st century . While traditional science lab furniture, Bunsen burners , and beakers are not passé, modern school science lab designs feature : SMART Boards , Digital Whiteboards and LCD projectors Utility islands with gas, water, electrical, and data outlets Approved safety equipment Maximized storage space solutions Laboratories which can be used interchangeably for general science, chemistry, physics, and biology classes

8. Conti….., Approved safety equipment Epoxy- top tables with chemical- resistant surfaces Mobile teacher demonstration stations Modular student lab workstations allowing for small group collaboration and learning Maximized storage space solutions Laboratories which can be used interchangeably for general science, chemistry, physics, biology, and physiology classes

9. Lab design means structure and arrangement of different materials. The science laboratories designs vary to some extent on the basis of area, locations, weather, need of the society, and resources constrains . A large number of schools have well established science laboratories. Keeping in mind the trends of science subject, science teachers has to either establish new laboratories or renovate and modifies the existing laboratories . There are very less number of teachers who get a chance to design a new lab for their schools. Our science teachers will have to bring change or develop their own lab on the basis of changing trends. The design of the lab must foster scientific thinking and creativeness among the science students Different Laboratory Designs

10. Chemistry lab design Chemistry lab design

11. Physics lab design

12. Biology lab design

13. Building of the Laboratory Teaching of science without practicals is like a fish out of water. Practicals are conducted in science labs. Most of the schools already have a Science lab where science practicals are conducted; even then there are many schools where science laboratory is yet to be developed. There is a considerable number of schools where integrated science laboratory is used for practicals.

14. Following aspects regarding building is necessary. a) Number of Rooms for Laboratory Usually each science subject laboratory comprises three rooms, in which one room is bigger where students perform the practicals. With this room two small rooms are constructed. One room is used by laboratory staff (Science teacher, laboratory assistant and laboratory attendant). Third room is mostly used as store room or keeping important record.

15. Most of the laboratories are built within the vicinity of the school. There are several schools where classroom are altered into laboratories. But science laboratories and classrooms have different requirements. Newly constructed science labs have been constructed outside the main building of the school. There are genera l recommendations for biology laboratory that it should be constructed near the park, students should come and go easily . Feasibility of the science lab is done by a number of experts. It also depends upon the resources and locality of the school . b) Location of the Laboratory

16. c) Area of the Laboratory Area of room of the laboratory depends: Population of science students at secondary level Nature of practical and subject Number and size of demonstration tables laboratory tables Space and place allocation for storage of materials, almirahs and shelves Space allocation for ventilation Teacher has to walk among the students ’ available space during practical Installation of fire extinguishers Water basins and fitting of water and gas pipes

17. d ) Facilities Following facilities should be available for proper practical activities in a laboratory. Air: Science laboratories should be airy, especially in chemistry and biology laboratories there should be proper arrangement of ventilation. There should be proper passages for crossing of air if there is less number of windows. Light: There should be a proper arrangement of light in laboratory. Alternative resources of light may also be available in case of shedding electric source. Water : Water is very important facility used to wash hands and apparatus. in physics laboratory one or two basins of water must be installed, but in Chemistry and Biology each table should have a water basin.

18. Conti…. Water Drainage: It is unhygienic when water stays in laboratories. There should be a proper drainage system of water. First aid Box: There should be a proper arrangement of first aid boxes having necessary medicines and bandages. Dustbin /Waste Box : During the experimentation lot of things are wasted. They should be put in dust bin and thrown out at proper time.

19. 2. Storage of Laboratory Equipment Laboratory equipment includes all the apparatus which is used for performing experiments in the laboratory. Based on type and nature of subject and experiments the type of equipment varies. The equipment required for experiments of physics are different to that of chemistry and biology. Equipment in physics is metallic, whereas in chemistry and biology the equipment is made from glass. Most of the equipment is commonly used in all science subjects. The equipment /apparatus of physics is also stored at places where no rusting or corrosion take place.

20. Biology equipment In the subject of Biology following equipment are used at secondary level: Microscope Dissecting Microscope, Magnifying Lens Dissecting Box Oven and Incubator etc All this equipment are stored in special boxes, labelled and placed in special glass almirahs.

21. 3. Storage of Materials and Chemicals There is a range of storage facilities suitable for chemicals in the laboratory environment. Several of these are specially designed for the safe storage of different types of hazardous substances. It is important to understand what substances can be safely stored in which storage container . 1 . Principles of Safe Storage Three principles can be applied to help provide safe storage of laboratory chemicals. Segregation Separation and Ventilation Labeling Hazard category (e.g. corrosive, flammable, oxidizing, and toxic)

22. 4 . Management of Pupils This is the important part for the teacher to decide now the pupils work in the laboratory. The features of three different methods of distribution the teacher is trying out are as follows : 1. Everything on the teacher’s bench 2. Using monitors The Bunsen’s and mats are in the pupil’s bench cupboards. , distribute the test- tube racks and holders and the first substance which has already been put in the test- tube. 3. Teacher Distribution All the materials and apparatus are on the teacher’s bench and adjacent trolley. The pupils to collect their test- tube and holder and the teacher gives out the first substance. Their partners collect the Bunsen’s and mats.

23. 5 . Teaching Laboratory Classes Laboratory classes provide students with first- hand experience with course concepts and with the opportunity to explore methods used by scientists in their discipline. Leading a laboratory session has particular challenges and opportunities that differ from those in a standard classroom environment . Pre lab During the lab After the lab

24. Pre lab Best practices to follow that can help laboratory sessions run smoothly. Some ‘best practices’ to help the lab run smoothly while maximizing student learning . A s you prepare to conduct a lab, consider the following questions: • Will I be able to do the lab myself before class ? • Am I familiar with the materials and equipment? • What are the safety considerations? • Would it help if I gave my students a handout highlighting key theoretical, procedural, and safety points? • How can I link this lab to the professor’s lecture? • How can I clearly communicate the criteria used in grading the lab reports

25. During the lab: Establish the specific goals of the lab (write them on the board) Prepare an outline (on the board) of the lab activities Do not hesitate to explain things more than once or answer questions that you may consider simple (this will likely save you from headaches later on) Demonstrate new techniques to the class or small groups Review safety issues for the lab Visit with each student individually during the lab Ask specific questions of the students in order to monitor their progress during the lab. Provide ample feedback to students during the lab

26. After the lab Grading Lab Reports (suggestions for providing constructive, formative feedback) Ensure that your grading scheme is consistent with course policy. Determine whether students understood the lab. Assess whether many students missed a critical concept. Evaluate whether students drew reasonable conclusions from the data they collected Reward creative and rational but unconventional thought in application of principles Read, evaluate and return lab reports in a timely manner with cogent feedback. Help students improve by telling them how they could have done better.

27. The prevention of accidents in laboratories is the duty of every individual using or entering in the laboratories. For a teacher, ensuring the safety of others as well as of himself is of particular importance . Clearly it is the duty of every science teacher to organize his classes in a way which reflects both his responsibility for their welfare and his commitment to teaching his pupils appropriate safety conscious attitudes and behavior . Safety is to be regarded as a positive factor in science teaching and the teacher must therefore stress the importance of careful planning. 6. SAFETY IN THE LABORAT ORY

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