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Why You Should Consider Portable Science Labs for Schools

Dec 6, 2018
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There is a Growing Interest in STEM

In today’s increasingly technological society, STEM research is becoming a more popular and prominent industry. In November of this year, The U.S. Department of Education announced that $200 million will be invested in STEM education for students. As science and technology continue to grow, these skills become increasingly more valuable not just to science majors, but to all students entering the workforce.

The Best Education Requires the Best Labs

According to an article by ScienceFirst, it is imperative to have the latest, high-quality science labs in schools for students. Because science education requires hands-on learning and group dynamics to understand its concepts, it is important to have a classroom environment that is conducive to this learning style. Despite this, many schools lack access to the equipment and resources they need and are looking for ways to provide this access to their students.

When a school equips themselves with the latest and most advanced materials and supplies, they are setting themselves apart from their competitors in an ever-growing field. This is specifically true for colleges and universities, as they attempt to stand out academically amongst others.

Colleges usually are up-to-date with the latest supplies and technology, but it is also really important for early education. ScienceFirst explains that the interest in scientific research begins early on with children is science labs, “When they observe various things and carry out different experiments, their reasoning skills are honed and they start thinking deeply on those theories and concepts. Schools thus play a vital role in bringing up the next generation of engineers and doctors”.

Benefits of Portable Labs for Schools

Science labs allow students to interact directly with materials and data. Laboratory teaching and experiments encourage deep understanding in children, and it is believed that children are able to retain the knowledge for longer when they see the experiments being performed in front of their eyes. Because of this, primary and secondary schools are changing the way they teach science to their students, and a classroom environment is the most important factor. With a modular building laboratory, schools can obtain the optimal learning space for a fraction of the cost compared to that of other construction options.

How Penn State Uses Modular Laboratory Buildings

STEM-related facilities (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) such as this modular science lab provide schools with the innovative educational space they need to facilitate training in science and technology.

At first, this temporary modular laboratory was purchased to provide students at Penn State Berk’s campus with the proper educational work environment; equipped with sinks, lab tables, and work stations.

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The amazing significance of this modular laboratory is that it has been relocated for Penn State’s students three times! It began as a temporary lab at the Berks campus for use as swing space while some large scale permanent construction was being performed. Then, the lab was relocated to Hazleton, and again to McKeesport.

Penn State specifically decided to purchase this portable science lab so that it could be reused and relocated time and time again, a benefit that only modular construction has to offer.

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How The University of Delaware Uses Mobile Labs

How The University of Delaware Uses Mobile Labs

Penn State is not the only college campus that has chosen temporary modular laboratories for their students. At The University of Delaware, a construction project is currently underway of installing 32 new modular buildings for laboratory classrooms.  This is a large project, which is comprised of three, ten-plex classroom units, connected by two modular corridors.

There are no pictures of this project yet because the building sections have not yet been delivered to the site, but you can imagine just how big of a laboratory building this will turn out to be. The university’s plan is to uses this temporary building for about 3-5 years until permanent construction on campus is completed. This is just another example of how versatile a modular laboratory building can be for schools and universities.

What Makes a Good Science Laboratory?

As you plan your modular building laboratory layout, it is important to keep in mind the aspects that make a high-quality learning space.

Flexible Space

For one, there should be Flexible Spaces for multi-purpose science labs. Biology, physics, and chemistry are each unique in their own way and require different types of learning environments. Because of this, it is ideal to have non-fixed pieces of equipment, materials, and facilities that are accommodating to each field of science (Teaching Times).

Safety Features

Of course, safety features are important to consider as well. “The hazardous nature of science laboratories means that safety measures must be carefully considered and implemented. A centralized switch to turn off gas taps and electronics in the science laboratory can reduce the risk of students accidentally putting their welfare and the welfare of others at risk” (TeachingTimes).

Technology

One of the reasons that STEM research is becoming popular among students is because of the advancements in technology over the past few years. Proper science labs with computers, robotics, and coding can inspire students to be innovative and passionate about STEM research (Ed Tech Magazine).  Students are becoming more engaged in creating and building when products like 3D printers and other computer-connected equipment are incorporated within the classroom.

Planning for Your Modular Building

As we approach the end of the calendar year, schools of all sizes begin to think ahead to next year’s construction plans.

Not all modular buildings look alike, nor are they built to function the same way.  As your school or university begins thinking ahead and planning for construction, keep in mind the different options for classroom space.

Do you find yourself needing additional educational facilities? If so, requesting a quote is quick and easy. Request a quote or call us today for more information:  (877)966-7839

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