The school science lab of the future

The school science lab of the future has arrived – and it’s better-equipped than ever.

Scientific developments are now a near-daily occurrence. It’s possible that your pupils will end up working in this rapidly-growing field, so they must be prepared.

Giving pupils a comprehensive understanding of science from the earliest possible stage will give them a head-start in life. However, you’ll need the right equipment to make the learning process engaging, efficient and educational.

This is where some schools fall down:

• 31% of schools haven’t updated their science labs since 0-Levels became GCSEs (1988)
• 40% of schools don’t have separate science facilities
• 85% of science teachers believe labs don’t bring out the best in pupils or themselves

Here’s an introduction to some of the technology that can bring your science lessons to life:

Interactive screens

Interactive screens and whiteboards can be a potent learning tool in the classroom.

Research shows pupils who learn using a combination of text and graphics are between 55% and 121% more accurate at solving problems than those taught purely with text.

Teachers can mix written notes with simple visualisations of complex scientific processes, as well as Power Points, quizzes and games – even pupils’ iPads – to keep lessons dynamic.

Information displayed on the interactive screen or whiteboard can then be saved and shared with pupils to use as a revision tool.

3D printers

3D printers can be used for a whole host of teaching tasks, from enabling pupils to create and investigate physical representations of scientific concepts to outlining the scientific process of testing and experimentation.

Students can design and build their own rocket casings in which to test propulsive chemical compounds, print a range of shapes to test their load-bearing capacity, build their very own cut-away model of Earth and even print off and adapt DNA double-helices.

Best of all, 3D printing components costs much less than traditional educational tools.

Glass washers

Once the fun is over, you’ll want a quick and efficient way of clearing up any leftover mess.

But, in science lessons, this can often include hazardous, corrosive chemicals that might damage a domestic dishwasher.

A dedicated lab glass washer is the answer. Test tubes, beakers and other decanters can all be loaded into the lab glass washer, which will disinfect potentially harmful chemicals by replacing them with water.

Lab glass washers are then configured to clean themselves, which adds to the lifespan of the product and minimises the risk of breakages that could result in injuries to pupils.

Modernising your science labs with the latest equipment needn’t wait. With a Utility Rentals contract, you can install the equipment now and spread costs over time.

Call on Utility Rentals and find out how to set up your science labs in a way that will inspire your pupils to become the Einsteins of tomorrow.