The details of requirements for a laboratory are:

(i) Location:

The location of a laboratory should be such that there is minimum disturbance either from classes or playground. Moreover natural light should be available during working hours. It is better to have laboratory on the extreme end of the school on the ground floor. Orientation should be north-south with variation.

(ii) Layout:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Walls of the laboratory can be 1/2 ft. thick. The size can be 45′ x 25′ so that 40 students can use it at a time.

(iii) Walls:

Tire walls can be painted or distemper coated, which will last for a longer time. Corners can be rounded to avoid accumulation of dirt in orders. Walls should be cemented.

(iv) Floor:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Floor should be smooth and cemented with proper slope and water drainage system. Its drainage system should be such that water does not accumulate in corners.

(v) Windows:

Windows can be 6′ * 4′ above the floor. There can be 1 ft. high ventilators. Windows should open outwards so that window sills can be used as working area.

(vi) Almirahs:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Almirahs can be 8 ft. x 5 ft. provided or fixed in the wall recess of 1 ft. There can be 7 to 8 almirahs with stone or wooden shelves. These almirahs can be used to store materials, instruments, glassware’s, books, reagents etc.

(vii) Notice Board and Chart Hangers:

There can be a railing along die wall to hang charts and display any other material. There can be a notice board just near the entrance or the wall in between two windows. The board can be used for displaying results or any instruction to the students.

There can also be a place for a fire extinguisher on the walls.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Now after floor, walls and windows, let us come to the door.

(viii) Doors:

Two doors are required which open outside: One for entry and another for exit. The doors can be of 8′ x 4′ dimension.

(ix) Sink:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

There should be provision of 4 sinks in wall recesses.

Place for a balance can also be made in the wall recess.

(x) Water Supply:

For constant water supply there should be an overhead water tank.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

(xi) Electricity Supply:

The electric fitting should be done in die laboratory tube lights, switch boards and power plugs. Wiring should be good and to the extent possible concealed so that no accidental contact with exposed wire takes place.

(xii) Tables and Stools:

There should be long tables. A number of stools can be placed across or there can be twin tables with two stools. The tables should be 2Vi x 3’/2 x 10 dimensions. Under the table there can be shelves to keep books. Stools can be 2Vi ft high.

(xiii) Gas Connection:

Gas connection is required at one end of the demonstration table. If such a connection is not available, spirit lamp chullahs can be used. They can be useful for both lighting and for heating as and when required.

(xiv) Demonstration Table:

There should be a large demonstration table 10′ x 4′ x 4′ so that is visible to all students.

(xv) Blackboard:

Behind the demonstration table there can be a big blackboard. It can be green in colour, which is comfortable for the eyes. It should not have any decoration. Blackboard should be 10 ft. and 4 ft wide. It is useful to put salient features and processes of the lesson/practical on the board so that students can see them at a glance.