4 Basic Types of Science Laboratories

4 Basic Types of Science Laboratories

(a) Physics laboratory which should consist of:

(i) Laboratory;

(ii) Store-cum-preparation room;

(iii) Darkroom.

(b) Chemistry laboratory which should consist of:            

(i) Laboratory;

(ii) Store-cum-preparation room;

(iii) Balance room.

(c) Biology laboratory which should consist of:

(i) Laboratory;

(ii) Store-cum-preparation room;

(iii) Museum.

(d) Home Science Laboratory which should consist of:

(i) Laboratory;

(ii) Store.

Kapoor and Premi (1988), on the basis of their empirical study recommend 99.36 Sq.m. for each of the three science laboratory and 83.49 Sq.m. for home science laboratory.

Every school must have a very well-equipped laboratory and science rooms so as to facilitate classroom instruction and to create an interest in students towards the subject. The word ‘laboratory’ is usually applied to a large room in which a class carries out practical work.

A preparation room is used for the assembly of apparatus to be used in a laboratory or a lecture room. Apparatus that is not frequently used or that has been specially fitted up for an unfinished experiment can be kept there.

It should be used for keeping tools, glass tubes and glass rods in current use, stirrups and terminals, wires, etc. which science teachers need. A store room is used as its name implies. Here, permanently under lock and key, are kept the materials which are distributed to the other rooms as they are required.

Dangerous chemicals, concentrated acids etc. can be kept in store rooms. A dark room, permanently darkened, but adequately ventilated provided with shelves, sink, a dark room light and an electric supply socket is useful for de-starching plants, for using special physical instruments like spectrometers, for conducting simple experiments on photometry and light and for doing photography which a science club may organize. A museum should contain specimens and exhibits of scientific interest.

These specimens and exhibits should be clearly labelled and systematically and logically arranged. The labels should contain both scientific and common names of specimens.

If the school has only two laboratories, it is better to use one for physics and biology and the other one for chemistry alone.

The chemistry laboratory should be on the ground floor and should be placed on the side of the school away from prevailing wind. Windows should be provided along two opposite sides of a laboratory and there should be adequate ventilation in the laboratories.

A laboratory should have shelves, cupboards, a long bench, a long blackboard and wall-space for the display of pictures, charts and diagrams. There should be adequate water supply in laboratories. Besides, there should be suitable arrangements for supply of gas and drainage.

A science laboratory should have two doors, preferably one at either end, opening outwards, so that in case of fire or other emergencies those in the room may leave it without danger or confusion.