SCIENCE LABORATORY Question 1.

b As far as my research that i have done, i have notice that the school does not have a science laboratory. So, I cant do any observation about the science laboratory. According to the Science Head Panitia Mrs. S.Vijaylechumi ,who teach science for year 3, 4 and 6, said that they used one of the classroom in the school to stored science apparatus. There was a 6 locked cupboards which stores science, kemahiran hidup, and other subject equipment. There were two locked cupboards which stores science equipment materials. There are very limited spaces, to move. There was no washing sink at back of the class room. According to Pn.S.Vijayalechumi it is difficult for them as teachers to conduct a science experiment in limited space. Moreover, the teachers are trying to do best from nothing. According to the Headmistress there is limited classroom and they really dont have classroom to use as laboratory. Most of the teacher will bring the science apparatus to classroom to conduct the experiments. I could imagine how difficult would it be for the science teacher to arrange the tables and the students, every time they conduct a science experiment. Here is some evidence that show the experiments conduct in classroom .

Science apparatus and abm which I fond in Cupboards.

In my point of view, the school authority should build a science lab for the students and teachers usage. This is to ensure that students get better view on the topics that are been taught by the teachers. Moreover, it will give them a clear picture too on what has being taught in front by the teachers. Besides, students would be more interested too in learning science. This is because, students normally get excited when they come across this kind of science apparatus. They normally enjoy handling this kind of science apparatus on their own. As a result, students would love to learn science. To carry out a good experiment, the science laboratory should be in a conducive condition. To create a good and conducive learning at the laboratory, firstly students and teachers should ensure the cleanliness of the laboratory. Students should avoid littering. Everyday the laboratory have to be swept and dust to avoid dirtiness and also dustiness. All the science apparatus should be in its place accordingly and systematically been arranged. Used apparatus should be washed cleanly and be kept at the provided places. Besides that, to create a conducive science laboratory too, all the students should follow the lab rules strictly. For an example, students should avoid running, playing, disturbing other students, chatting with friends when at the science laboratory. This too could prevent accidents from happening at the laboratory. Its a safety sake too. It also could prevent any damages from happening at the lab. For an example, avoid chemicals or sharp objects touches the body and so on. Besides that, students too should handle the apparatus and also the specimen gently to avoid accidents from happening. Students should not handle it rough or harsh especially when it filled with chemicals or gases. In addition, to create a conducive situation at the laboratory, students should listen carefully what are the ways or procedure to carry out an experiment. Teachers should make sure that all students understand the instructions and all the procedures well before doing any experiment. This is to make sure nothing goes wrong when conducting the experiment. A clear simple instructions in laboratory is very important in creating a conducive science lab environment.

QUESTION 1.C PHYSYCAL LAY OUT

WHITEBOARD

Fire extinguisher (ABC).

LCD Electric supply Sink , water tap

DOOR

W I N D O W S

TABLE

W I N D O W S

CHAIR

Student project

STORING SHELF (cabinet)

JUSTIFICATION OF PHYSICAL LAYOUT OF LABORATORY Laboratories should provide work environments in which practical application of instruction and skills practice may be accomplished effectively and safely. We have design physical layout of the room. In this school there store science apparatus in cupboard. Even though the storing of science apparatus is correct where by it has been stored in a dry place (Cupboard) and it is well secured where by the cupboard is locked, but the location of the cupboard is blocking air flow to the laboratory. This could be dangerous especially to young childrens when the students are conducting experiments regarding gases. In order to avoid this problem the cupboard containing science apparatus should be transferred to a cabinet. Other than good air flow, by making such a move there would be enough light coming into the laboratory. Moreover this laboratory have four door and window in both side. These can provide natural lighting that, at times, may be sufficient for student investigations and thereby reduce energy costs. Natural lighting and four doors may also be of value during emergencies.

Through my conversation with Pn.Viyalechumy I also found out that every time a science teacher wants to use a LCD projector during science lesson , they have to bring the students to computer lab which is located in the other building of the school. Since such a move during a science lesson will consume time, most of the teachers would just use white board and other hand on materials to teach a science concept. Concerning this problem and the new technologies in teaching field I suggest that the teachers are also to be provided with a computer linked to the Internet with data logging capability and a LCD projector to be used during teaching and learning. This laboratory have fixed LCD where teacher can used it during science lesson. Here by I would like to mention that during my visit to science laboratory, there were no students project have been displayed or stored. Here by I would like to suggest that the science teachers should store not only science equipment and materials alone but also students project so that the students them self can refer back their projects and remember back important science skills and information they have learned while doing their project.

The school management should provide secure storage that meets all safety and fire codes must be provided for chemical or other hazardous supplies. Materials storage should be located convenient to the materials receiving door and in a location that provides an orderly flow of materials into the

work area. It is advisable that all storage cabinets in prep rooms should be master keyed. The master key should be kept in the school management office and should not hold by the headmistress, so that it would be convenient during emergencies. This laboratory have safety equipments such as fire extinguishers (ABC), eye goggle sanitation cabinets and emergency eye wash fountains. This laboratory is also be equipped with a regular exhaust fan, that runs continuously, should be used to provide residual negative air pressure in the room and prevent the spread of odours to other parts of the building.

This laboratories also have washing sink in each tables. This is because the, students need to wash their hands before, during or after the experiments. The students need to go to bathroom to wash their hands. Sometimes the students will forget to wash their hands after using chemical. This can cause them poison. This science laboratory also be equipped with a telephone for the teacher to be used during emergency purpose and should be directly connected to the school management office. Apart from that this science laboratory normally include all the basic apparatus. Such as; y y y y y y y y y Bunsen Burner Funnel Microscope Asbestos Basic chemicals (acid and alkaline) Litmus paper cone burette pipit

y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y y

specimens Test Tubes Globe Microscope Aluminium Trays Specimens Rubber stopper Pails Sports Timer Funnel Beaker 50 ml Beaker 100 ml Beaker 200 ml Thermometer Test Tube Rack Batteries 3D models of shapes Long Wood rulers

and so on. If there is enough apparatus in laboratory, the student will enjoy the lesson and understand easily.