STEM Classroom Furniture, Is There a Formula for Success?

What Are The Key Environmental Elements To Be Changed?

Make sure the furnishings in the room contribute to student engagement with the subject. One fundamental way of doing this is assuring the STEM classroom furniture and classroom layout are compatible with the method of STEM teaching your school has adopted. If your school has adopted collaborative learning or other active inquiry-based method, be sure you have the appropriate desks and chairs – ones that lend themselves to working in small groups. Chairs, desks and all other furnishings in a successful STEM environment must be:

Desks and Tables

In project-based learning, students work in groups. To accommodate this, student desks or tables must be capable of being arranged into compact pods to accommodate six to eight students. Here, flexibility and the ability to rearrange the desks for uses in multiple ways is key. So look for desktops that taper from back to front, approximating a piece of pie. When gathered, this shape allows a tight circle to be formed, which encourages participation on the parts of all students in the group. The desks can also be arranged in smaller groups or totally separated for individual work or testing.

Another option to consider is our new Multi-Media Table. It handles six students and its shape allows all six unobstructed visual access to a monitor. The table can be used at 34” high – and the students can sit on stools (or stand) or it can be at standard sit-down height. Other Smith System® Tables can be combined in creative ways for a STEM environment. For example, you can start with a 60” Half-Round Table and add 30” x 60” (or 30” x 72”) Rectangle Tables, which adds flexibility and reconfigurability to the STEM classroom.

Connectivity

Because STEM classes make great use of technology, students need the ability to connect with data and other resources. Optimized STEM classrooms allow students to have power for their computers or tablet devices as well as WiFi.

Science Tables

If your science classroom or lab will be using chemicals and heat, be certain that the work surfaces can stand up by choosing a Smith System® Science Table with a TRESPA TopLab Plus work surface. Moreover, Smith System® Science Tables provide the large work surfaces, strength and stability needed to support heavy materials. They can be fitted with optional casters for the greatest flexibility. Another option is to create some height in the lab with stand-up height tables at 34” high, available in the Planner® and Interchange lines. These pair perfectly with 24” Fixed-Height Stools in the Flavors® lines.