When setting up a science classroom, it is so important to consider not only the aesthetics of the classroom but also the practicality of the classroom. Science and STEM classrooms serve different purposes than general education classrooms. In science classrooms, hands-on learning occurs, laboratory experiments happen, and students move around the classroom frequently.  In my science classroom, I aim to have 3 key features to successfully foster hands-on collaborative learning.

Allow for Grouping Students

When it comes to a science classroom, students often work collaboratively to complete laboratory tasks and activities. Having a classroom that allows students to be grouped to conduct experiments or discuss the data collected from an experiment is critical. In my classroom, numbering all of the tables and lab stations makes it easy for students to know exactly where to go when we are working collaboratively as a group. Lab stations are marked with numbers that are easy to read by all students. These stations also provide opportunities to gradually release students to get supplies, turn in assignments, or complete tasks.  For example, “Table 2 you may go and collect your lab materials.”

Organization

Staying organized in the science classroom can be a challenge when the school year starts. There are so many papers and materials that need places to be. Planning & having designated places for supplies can provide for a smooth start to the school year.  Using a googles organizer like this one provides a place for the goggles but also allow students to get the goggles easily when needed during a laboratory. The glasses storage also has numbers that can correspond to the student’s seats and/or lab station. This makes it easy for teachers to check to make sure all goggles have been returned and if one is missing who may have forgotten to return their goggles.

In addition, labeling cabinets and drawers helps to remember where supplies are located and keep like materials together- for example the graduated cylinders together in one location. It also helps for students to be able to access supplies if needed. Students have a station in my science classroom that has general student supplies such as pencils, pens, scissors, hole punch, stapler, etc that they can access at any time if needed. This frees up my time as students do not have to constantly ask me for a pencil or a stapler.

Consider Safety

Following lab safety rules is critical to any science classroom. We often spend the first few days of a science class teaching students how to safely act in a laboratory setting. To encourage students to be safe in the classroom, plan to include safety elements in your classroom setup at the beginning of the year.  This could include having signs in the classroom or at the lab stations displaying safety rules. It might include having a safety center that includes materials like goggles, gloves, and a first aid kit. When we promote lab safety, students will know its importance.  Plan to incorporate the students in the displaying safety rules around the classroom. Students in my science classes create posters with catchy sayings related to lab safety rules. We display those posters around the room as reminders of the rules to follow when conducting laboratory experiments.

As you begin the school year and are setting up your classroom, take time to plan and think about how the students will be grouped, how can you stay organized with all of the supplies, and most importantly- how you and the students remain safe in the classroom. These key elements of a science classroom allow students to be successful in their collaboration and learning of science material.