PROTOTYPICAL
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION LABORATORIES
The key elements of a prototypical technology education teaching facility are a discussion area, a computer area, and both small and large project work areas. The diagrams in this section show various technology education teaching spaces that respond to these requirements.
Two types of spaces comprise the technology education lab. One is a classroom laboratory for discussions and work on the computer and on small projects. The number of students in this format is assumed to be 24 for discussions and small projects, and 12 for work on computers. Simulation, modeling, analysis, and fabrication are important ways in which computers are used in technology education.
The other type of technology education laboratory is for production of large projects. This can be one or more spaces, each accommodating a maximum of 12 students working on large projects using heavy equipment. Typically this is a high, open space with sufficient room to store tools and materials. It usually has a garage door that opens directly to the outside so that large materials, projects, and equipment can be easily moved in and out. The prototype lab provides 12 workstations for a variety of equipment, access to water, and space for student workbenches.
A
teacher’s ability to control both types of spaces at one time is essential. Safety issues are critical in the high-bay lab, as students often use machinery that can be hazardous. It should be adjacent to the classroom/computer lab, visually connected with a glass wall.
The
laboratory arrangements have been structured to assist individual schools,
each with a unique set of planning factors and requirements for new or
renovated space. The prototypical teaching spaces are developed using a 32-foot bay
width for the classroom lab in conjunction with a 36-foot wide high-bay
lab. If your school is planning new or renovated space where other sizes
for the classroom lab would be more preferable, please go to Other
Technology Education Laboratories. The size of the high-bay
lab., however,
remains constant
Instructions:
Possible classroom labs are shown to the left. Try combining one with a high-bay
lab. by single clicking on it. It will combine automatically.
