Science is an integral part of any high school curriculum. The sciences teach youths valuable lessons they can apply to their individual lives and potential careers.
That said, to adequately instruct such subjects, teachers need equipment and laboratories. These materials often cost significant sums of money. With school budgets finite, constructing a suitable lab could prove challenging. However, said goal is definitely reachable provided a bit of planning and ingenuity are employed.
Five Specific Suggestions
Purchase Previously Owned Equipment
One possible way to upgrade a high school’s science lab is through economical means like the purchase of used materials.
Naturally, previously employed products will be sold at less expensive prices than brand new materials. Establishments, such as hospitals, universities, research institutions, forensics labs, and various other locations might sell old equipment from time to time. Moreover, old does not necessarily means inferior.
In many cases, used products appear and perform just as well as new ones. That said, however, consumers are urged to execute due diligence and make sure they are purchasing said products from reputable sources.
Furthermore, schools might opt to purchase refurbished items. Typically, refurbished items are repaired, and tested before publicly offered. Moreover, said materials often come with warranties. These product guarantees added insurance and coverage should they soon fail.
Provide Adequate Safeguards
Schools could potentially prevent or delay the need to repair or replace scientific equipment by merely protecting said investments.
One might be surprised to learn that exposure to detrimental particles like dust, dirt, sunlight, and temperature extremes could inflict a significant, possibly irreversible degree of damage to numerous pieces of lab equipment.
Occasionally, covering, shielding, or performing routine maintenance actions on said products can prevent the aforementioned pitfalls and go a long way towards keep them in optimal condition and properly functioning for prolonged time frames.
Buy In Bulk
Occasionally, buying in bulk proves economically viable.
School science department faculty and administrators are encouraged to take an inventory of the products needed and purchase those items in excess. Granted, such actions will be costlier in the short term. However, over the long haul, these present purchases will likely prevent the need for additional expenditures potentially reaching well into the future.
In addition to budgetary constraints, certain schools might resist bulk purchases because said institutions lack the storage space. Fortunately, an appreciable percentage of lab supply facilities will safe keep items until the academic establishment in question needs said items.
Purchase Versatile Equipment
Many scientific disciplines utilize similar pieces of equipment to carry out specific lessons and experiments. Therefore, there is no need to purchase one set of products for different classes.
Rather, school districts are firmly urged to invest in versatile products that can be used for chemistry, biology, physics, and other scientific avenues.
Utilize Laboratory Design Companies
School districts might choose to invest in a lab design company.
Such entities often perform various beneficial tasks, such as procuring necessary equipment, designing the safest and most ergonomically beneficial workspace as possible, the installation process, organization, and maintenance procedures.
Companies performing said duties possess a dearth of knowledge regarding the most efficient products and placing said items in the most practical and efficient environments.
