Credit: Tower Pinkster, Grand Rapids, MI, Architect of Record.

In accordance with the National Science Education Standards, suggestions for the development of quality science facilities are provided. One of these recommendations is first to complete a curriculum review, because curriculum should shape the science facility. Everyone involved in the planning process must identify what is envisioned for new facilities and then remain involved in the design and construction phases.

Each chapter begins with a “Key Ideas” summary. Chapter 1 discusses how to plan school science facilities. This is followed by steps in the design and building of the new facility. Chapter 2 covers “Current Trends and Future Directions in Science Education.” Most importantly, the planner needs to have a vision of the future (when technological changes are expected).

Safety guidelines are highlighted in Chapter 3. The importance of providing safe space for each student, safe storage of chemicals, ventilation, fume hoods, and minimizing litigation are topics covered.

Chapter 4 focuses on “Designing Facilities for the Elementary School.” We found this section in valuable as we planned our school’s new labs. From space requirements, number of sinks needed, storage options, and providing utilities, to lighting and darkening rooms, many valuable suggestions are provided. Needs for grades K-2 and grades 3-5 are presented.

Chapters 5 and 6 discuss designing facilities for the middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12), and they provide two popular models for science classrooms (moveable lab stations and fixed lab stations). The need for providing computers and other technology is important in the middle school and high school labs. Ideas for teacher space, preparation and storage rooms, student project areas, and small group spaces are included.

“Green Schools” is a new chapter in this edition. Key ideas include accessing natural areas surrounding the school and using outside spaces such as courtyards, ponds, and rain gardens for teaching. Photos provide several useful ideas, from installing a large weather-safe compass and sundial to having an imbedded solar system model in a courtyard.

Chapter 8 has further suggestions for using science spaces to enhance teaching, such as sliding shades that double as bulletin boards, two-way windows that enable students to share projects with the hallway, and using patterns on the floor and ceiling as learning spaces.

Chapter 9, entitled “Science for All,” provides the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The ADA checklist is invaluable for planning.

The appendix includes checklists for safety; critical dimensions; equipment; checklists for elementary, middle school, and high school labs; a glossary of construction terms; the NSTA position statement on the role of lab investigations in science instruction; and a useful bibliography.

Throughout the book, there are many photographs, floor plans, and checklists. Teachers, science specialists, school board members, architects, and all involved with the planning, designing, and building of exemplary science facilities will benefit from this invaluable resource. Indeed, our school has three excellent science labs because we followed the guidelines in the first edition.

This review originally appeared in the February 1, 2008 edition of Science & Children.

Middletown High School Renovation/Addition

Scope: Major functional and accessibility renovations and additions to operating high school.

Science Addition and Commons, Mehlville Senior High School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Three story science addition including 11 labs, storage and prep facilities; building completely networked for data, voice and cable TV. Facility also serves as main entrance and student commons at northern end of school.

Mehlville Senior High School Science Addition

Science Addition and New Administrative Offices, Oakville Jr. High School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Three-story classroom addition including four flexible science labs, computer lab, technology lab and industrial arts shop plus expansion of administrative offices. ADA deficiency analysis and corrective actions.

Oakville Junior High School Science Lab/Classroom

Oakville Junior High School Tri-facial Workstation

Oakville Junior High School Science Faculty Office

Classroom Add’n, Commons, and Admin. Offices, Oakville Sr. High School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Three story classroom addition including 4 flexible science labs and classrooms, creation of large student commons, redesign and expansion of administrative, counseling and health services suites. ADA deficiency analysis and corrective actions.

Oakville Senior High School “Universal” Lab

Oakville Senior High School Atrium

Oakville Senior High School Courtyard "Before"

Additions and Renovations to Forder Elementary School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Deficiency analysis and design of major addition and renovations to aging elementary school. Project included demolition and reconstruction of 70% of existing school for 550 students and complete rearrangement of site development.

Forder Elementary School Entry

Forder Elementary School

Forder Elementary School Typical Classroom

Forder Elementary School Gymnasium

Hagemann Road Elementary School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Design of new elementary school for 700 students.

Hagemann Road Elementary School Entry

Hagemann Road Elementary School Atrium

Hagemann Road Elementary School Library

Renovations and Addition to Beasley Elementary School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Design of 12,000 square foot addition to existing elementary school including general classrooms, art, music and computer classrooms, and creation of student commons. ADA deficiency analysis and corrective actions.

Beasley Elementary School Addition

Beasley Elementary School Atrium

Beasley Elementary School Typical Classroom

Renovations and Additions to Point Elementary School
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Deficiency analysis and design of major addition and renovations to aging elementary school. Project included demolition and reconstruction of 30% of existing school and complete rearrangement of site development.

Point Elementary School New Entry

Point Elementary School Addition

Point Elementary School Art Room

Building Code and ADA Deficiency, and Energy Analysis
MEHLVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT, St. Louis, MO
Scope: Inspection, evaluation and recommendations of remedial actions at 14 schools throughout district.

Rosati Kain High School Physics Lab/Classroom

Rosati Kain High School Chemistry (Before)

Rosati Kain High School Chemistry (After Renovation)

New Trier Township High School “Universal” Lab

New Trier Township High School Movable Demo Table

New Trier Township High School Demonstration Fume Hood