The right classroom furniture is essential for fostering budding young scientists.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs are incredibly popular in elementary, middle, and high schools across the United States. As classrooms and schools shift their priorities to new areas, how can classrooms be designed for optimal STEM usage? How can existing classrooms be rearranged to stimulate students without spending money?
Focus on the Greater Goal
Before you get overwhelmed with options, remind yourself that the greater goal is to inspire your students to learn, inquire, think, and innovate together. Regardless of what field they decide to pursue, these skills are essential to their success and our success as a society.
Start with Small Steps
Examine your existing STEM program or what program your school will be implementing. Are you putting one subject in each classroom? Will you integrate STEM principles into each classroom or throughout the school? Will it be something students do after school or during a free period?
The Ideal STEM Classroom
Before you decide what your STEM classroom will look like, you should research how existing STEM classrooms appear and operate. STEM classrooms are exuberant and accepting. Kids work closely together in teams to solve problems and encourage each other to get real-world critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Some STEM classrooms use a three-room approach. Room One is a classroom where students learn math and engineering concepts. Room Two is a lab where students focus on science and technology. Room Three is a common room where students can congregate and collaborate. Ideally, a classroom used as both a classroom and lab will have a minimum of 60 square feet per student and no more than 24 students.
Student project spaces or collaborative spaces (room 3) should be located somewhere easily accessible from the other classrooms and somewhere with outdoor access. Students need somewhere to test and show off their creations without worrying about hitting the ceiling or damaging something in the classroom.
Working with budget limitations in an old building? Look for ways to use STEM concepts while still cutting cost. Add white boards to your STEM classroom to encourage teamwork, use a file-sharing program like Google Drive, or consider doing away with the teacher’s podium or making it adjustable in height.
Don’t Forget the Tech
Technology should be omnipresent in the STEM classroom. Students should have tablets or similar Wi-Fi connected devices that allow them to interact with each other, their teacher, and the world. Engineering classrooms should include printers (including 3D if the budget allows), CAD with screens, and plotters. For schools on a budget, ask students to bring their own devices and install the necessary software.
STEM-Friendly Furniture
The STEM classroom is a unique place and it requires furniture that you may not have seen in a classroom before. Seating doesn’t need to be for one student. Instead, provide spaces where students can stand, sit on stools, use rolling chairs, or lounge. Classroom seating in a STEM classroom should allow many different functions, movements, and positions for students. Desks should be able to move into pods or groups that seat 6-8 students. Storage space is also a must, as students are constantly working on projects that need safe storage.
STEM Classroom Design from Glover Furniture Group
Glover Furniture and Design Group is a woman-owned and operated business that serves the Delmarva region with educational, institutional, and commercial furniture and design services. For information on how we can optimize your classroom or office design, give us a call at 1-800-966-9016 or contact us online. To see examples of our work and stay in touch, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.