Turning a Classroom into a Science Lab

Things to Consider:

• In many current classrooms students sit at individual, slant topped desks
• Students need to be able to work in groups of 4
• A large, flat, level surface is required to allow student groups to work on posters, card sorts, etc.
• A place to deposit waste liquids is needed
• A place to deposit solid waste materials is needed
• A mechanism for keeping things from rolling off of the surface would be helpful
• A way to store needed glass or plastic ware (cups, beakers, spoons, petri dishes, medicine measuring cups, graduated cylinders, Erlenmeyer flasks, disposable plastic pipets) would be helpful
• A way to store other commonly used items (tape, timers, markers, pencils, sticky notes, scissors, etc.) would be helpful
• A way to access power would be helpful (students need to be able to plug in clamp lamps, balances, microscope lights, etc.)
• The units must be easily assembled and disassembled and store in very little space
• A built-in calculator would be helpful
• Possible space to install a laptop computer or a hand-held computer would be helpful so that internet access could be provided
• Need to avoid having cords where students would trip over them 
• Target group would be 4th - 8th graders

Some Contacts:

A.E. Phillips       
    Call the office and set up a time to visit the classroom
    Ext. 3469
    Karen Wiggins, Principal

Cypress Springs Elementary
    Call the office at 255-0791 to make sure someone is there
    David Rodgers, Principal
    Usually there from 8-1 on Monday through Thursday

Science Teachers Meeting at LA Tech
    101 Carson Taylor Hall   
    They meet from 8:30-3:30 every day but could probably talk with you before or after they meet