CREATING THE

FOUNDATION FOR
LEARNING
SUCCESS

HOW TO PLAN A
SCIENCE LAB
FOR YOUR
SCHOOL A GUIDE FOR
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
A guide outlining how to successfully plan a
science lab for your school that contributes
towards teamwork, student growth, and learning
success.
 TABLE OF
CONTENTS

03. 04.
THE NEED FOR ROLE OF
MODERN SPACES ENVIRONMENT

05. 06.
SCIENCE LAB LAYOUT AND
ESSENTIALS CONFIGURATION

07. 08.
PREP ROOMS AND SAFETY
STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS

09. 10.
SUBJECT DISCIPLINE FF&E
REQUIREMENTS

Table of Contents 2
 THE NEED FOR
MODERN
LEARNING
SPACES
The design of a learning Such spaces limit
space significantly engagement, interactivity,
influences students’ learning and collaboration with
success, yet its impact is teachers and peers.
often overlooked.
Instead, modern learning
Modern learning spaces spaces need to adapt to the
should prioritise creating an needs and requirements of
open and conducive students.
environment that
encourages collaboration In today's learning
and teamwork to foster landscape, both the space THE PURPOSE OF
student engagement and and the learner must work
motivation. together, which is more THIS GUIDE
tailored to student-centred
This guide provides important steps and considerations for planning
This is something that learning.
science labs for international schools. It is intended for departmental staff
traditional learning spaces
and school management to provide insight into designing effective and
fail to do. Centred learning Modern learning spaces
modern science learning spaces. Learning spaces that are designed to
spaces that are forward provide the foundation for
maximise student success and shape future generations of STEM
facing fail to achieve this. learning success.
professionals.

The need for modern learning spaces 3

 THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT
IN MODERN LEARNING SPACES
Successful modern learning spaces need to successfully incorporate three
main factors. These factors are space, technology, and pedagogy. Each Space in regard to learning
element contributes towards modern classrooms and should be carefully environments covers all the physical,
considered. environmental, and layout aspects.
Sometimes, the relationship
Failing to successfully adopt and incorporate one of the above elements between students and teachers can
results in an impact on the success. For example, failing to consider space also be considered.
can result in constrained activity. Over time, this will reflect on students’
attainment and learning outcomes.

Pedagogy refers to the teaching

style and approach to teaching.
Engagement, personalisation,
collaboration, and feedback are all
elements of successful pedagogy.

Technology has become an

essential part of any learning
space. Not only have students
come to expect it, but technology
improves and enriches learning.

The role of environment in modern learning spaces 4

 SCIENCE LAB
ESSENTIALS
There are many factors to consider when planning a science lab
learning space. The layout, equipment, furniture & fixtures, and
gas & electricity supplies are all important considerations in
planning science labs.

Health and safety will also be at the forefront of designs and

plans. From using chemicals to radioactive sources, appropriate
equipment and fixtures need to be in place to minimise risk to
health.

These are some of the science lab essentials to

consider in planning such spaces: Different disciplines, such as chemistry and biology, will have
specific requirements to consider in planning science labs.
1) Decentralise the classroom Flexibility is another top essential for science labs. Science labs
2) Health and safety regulations and guidelines should be easily adaptable to both theoretical and practical
learning. Making classroom spaces flexible also helps reduce
3) Environmental factors disruptions during a lesson.

4) Flexibility for both practical & theory learning Another essential in planning science labs is to consider the
environment. Air quality and extraction should be implemented.
5) Subject discipline requirements Spaces should be well-lit, incorporating natural light where
possible, and the acoustic all impact learning success. The use of
6) Mobility and ease of moving around colour and storage should also be considered.

Science lab essentials 5

 Size and space
LAYOUT AND The first thing to consider in the layout and configuration of a science lab is
the size and space. The number of students a lab is intended for will
CONFIGURATION significantly influence the design. A science lab intended for 30 pupils should
be between 85 and 95m squared.

The shape and configuration should also be carefully considered. Science labs
can be noisy environments, and the room's acoustics can play an important role
in minimising noise levels. Long, thin rooms are the least suitable, leading to
poor acoustics and poor sightline

Such configurations also leave insufficient space between each pupil and the
workstation. There should be plenty of moveable space between furniture items
and workstations. High ceilings may also be beneficial for air quality.

Safety

The layout and configuration can have a big

impact on the effectiveness of a modern
learning space.

All modern learning spaces, including science Science labs can be dangerous environments with chemicals, gas, and other
labs, should use an open, flexible layout that hazardous equipment used in practical work. As a result, certain features must
encourages collaboration. be incorporated into a science lab for the safety of staff and students.
Gas valves & isolating valves
The configuration also needs to consider the Emergency cut-off button for gas/electric
ease of moving equipment and resources Sufficient water drainage with hot & cold water
Backflow prevention/air gap in sinks
around for lessons.
Sufficient water pressure to minimise splashing
Sinks made from fireclay or another suitable material
Eyewash facilities

Layout and configuation 6

 PREP ROOMS &

STORAGE
The support areas will also be an important
requirement when planning a school science lab

These prep rooms will be out of bounds to

students. These spaces are designed to give
technicians a suitable area to prepare resources
for teaching and storing.

Some essentials need to be implemented in prep

rooms:
A ducted fume cupboard
Suitable chemical dispensing
Testing and repairing electrical equipment Storage will also be incorporated into prep
Gas, electric, and water services rooms that technicians can easily access.
Sinks for cleaning and preparing solutions
Fire handling equipment, i.e. fire extinguisher Storage facilities in prep rooms will hold
Sufficient lighting dangerous chemicals and other resources
Ventilation and extractor fans unsuitable for keeping in classrooms. This
Appropriate workbench thickness and minimises the movement of hazardous
material substances that can cause harm.

Prep rooms & storage 7

 Safety is a top priority in designing science labs for schools. All spaces need to
SAFETY adhere to regulations and guidelines to minimise the risk of harm.

CONSIDERATIONS Safety considerations for science labs include:

Providing sufficient ventilation
Storing chemicals at room temperature
Floors that minimise slip hazards and can easily be cleaned
Shelving should be non-corrosive (support wooden shelving with metal
brackets)
Highly flammable substances should be kept in a flammable cabinet.
Corrosive chemicals should be kept at floor level.
Fire handling equipment should be readily available.
Radioactive materials should be kept in suitable lead containers.
Appropriate signage and warnings should be clearly visible where
necessary.

Science labs have many safety considerations for

student classrooms and technician prep rooms. Specific
regulations and guidelines will also specify safety
considerations that must be followed to prevent harm
or injury.

There should also be sufficient space for movement in

the classroom. Sufficient space should be left between
each workbench and the sides of classrooms.

No equipment, personal belongings, or furniture should

obstruct walkways at any time. Space to store bags
and coats should be provided upon entry to a science
lab.

Safety considerations 8
SUBJECT DISCIPLINE

REQUIREMENTS

#1
BIOLOGY
Additional sinks for washing up with #2
double cold taps on each sink.
CHEMISTRY
Only washing-up sinks should be
A ducted fume cupboard should be
fitted with hot water.
fitted in at least 1 lab.
Gas taps and electrical sockets
Five additional sinks alongside the
should be positioned to not interfere
washing-up sink, each with double
with practical experiments.
cold taps.
Water flow and bottle trap fitted
Only hot water should be supplied to
underneath each sink.
Non-absorbent benches for practical
the washing-up sink. #3
Taps will be available at each
microbiology work. PHYSICS
workstation rather than around the
Glass display cabinets for specimens. Fewer gas taps and sinks, while
perimeter.
Sinks may be fitted around the plenty of electrical sockets will be
Gas taps and electrical sockets.
perimeter as opposed to at available.
should be positioned to not interfere
workstations. Smooth long benches for mechanical
with practical experiments.
activities.
Water flow and bottle trap fitted
Covers should be available for sinks.
underneath each sink.
Blackout for optical experiments.
Appropriate chemical-resistant
Avoid using steel frames in worktops
worktops.
to prevent interference with magnets.

Subject discipline requirements 9

 SCIENCE LAB

FF&E
FF&E stands for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Science labs will
require various FF&E specifically tailored for the lab environment.

Seating & chairs are one item of furniture to consider. Most chairs for
science labs are made of either wood or plastic. The chairs should
also be a suitable height for the tables and workstations.

Every science lab should provide easy access to electric, gas, and
water facilities (usually fitted into the appropriate workstations).

These amenities are fitted and either available around students'

worktops, in service pedestals with surrounding tables, or around the
side of the room.

Eye wash facilities are also essential should chemicals get in the eye.
Table surfaces and thickness will also need to be considered
concerning chemical resistance.

In recent years, octagonal-shaped tables have taken preference in

science labs to create more modern learning spaces. These tables are
fixed to the floor. Amenities, such as gas and electricity, are provided
from a central raised platform.

The only problem with octagonal-shaped tables is that some students

may not be able to see the teacher. This should be taken into account
when considering the layout.

There should also be sufficient storage facilities, such as cupboards,

drawers, or shelves, to store equipment and resources.

Science lab FF&E 10

CREATING UNIQUE
LEARNING SPACES FOR
EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS At Learning Space Solutions, we offer specialist
science lab designs and installations for
international schools.

Working closely with a qualified and experienced

design team, we deliver intuitive, modern
learning spaces built on safety.

Our school science lab solutions include FF&E.,

safety considerations, storage, and equipment
installation.

Our science laboratory solutions focus on design

and safety and adhere to safety guidelines and
regulations.

If you would like to learn more about our science

lab design & installation solutions, contact us
today!

CONTACT US
PHONE WEBSITE
0333 006 2342 www.learningspacesolutions.com

EMAIL
[email protected]