Imagine a classroom buzzing with the whirring of gears and the excited chatter of students working together. They’re not passively listening, but actively engaged. Their hands are not glued to textbooks, but manipulating tools to build a robot programmed to navigate a maze. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the power of robotics education in action.
Teaching students robotics isn't just about building cool machines. It's about nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills – all essential for success in the 21st century.
By providing a dedicated space for robotic education, you can equip students with the tools and confidence needed to become tomorrow's innovators. Here are some initial questions you should ask before creating a robotics classroom.
1. What are your goals for the robotics program?
Before diving into furniture options and room layouts, define your program goals. Is the focus on introducing the basics of robotics or providing a deeper experience? Will you cater to beginners, intermediate or advanced students? Knowing your target audience and overall goals will help you choose the right pieces for your robotics lab.
2. What space do you have available?
Inventory the available space. Ideally, you'll have room in your robotics classroom for dedicated zones: workstations, storage and a practice area. However, limited space doesn't have to limit your program! Get creative with your layout – our movable furniture and compact storage solutions can maximize your square footage. Ensure there are enough electrical outlets for powering devices.
3. What kind of equipment do you need?
Not all robotics lab’s equipment needs are the same. Ultimately, they will vary depending on your program’s goals. Will you need high-powered industrial robots, or are simpler kits sufficient for starters? Your equipment may also include computers, sensors, microcontrollers and programming software. Remember to allocate space for your equipment when planning the layout.
4. Does the space accommodate collaboration and teamwork?
Forget about traditional, fixed classroom furniture. Robotics is all about teamwork!
At Diversified Spaces, we have a couple of workstation options for your robotics classroom that promote collaboration and will fit student learning needs:
Command PLTW and Robotics Workstation
Designed for STEM and robotics work, our Command PLTW and Robotics Workstation features a laminate top with a lip around the perimeter to keep robots and tools from falling off. The base includes a large open storage shelf that accommodates long metal rails, chart pads or laptops. Underneath, two large storage compartments provide space for robot storage. Different size totes keep tools and small parts contained. The workstation also features locking casters to make it easy to rearrange your classroom!
Command Robotics Workbench
Our Command Robotics Workbench allows up to three teams to work on and store their robots and supplies. This spacious workbench features three locking storage compartments, each with a roll-out shelf, a drawer and a customizable foam insert to protect tools and equipment. If your students need more space to work, no worries! The top can be extended to provide an extra 8” of additional workspace if needed. This workbench also has casters that make it easy to move.
5. How much storage will you need?
Robotics supplies can quickly clutter a space. That’s why it’s essential to invest in storage solutions like our Command Robot Storage Units, which are specifically designed to meet the challenges of storing robot parts, tools and electronics. When choosing the ideal storage unit for your robotics supplies, remember to keep in mind:
Quantity of robot supplies to be stored
The size and dimensions of the items
The future growth and expansion of your robotics supplies inventory
Ready to take your robotics program to the next level?
Contact us today to discover how we can outfit your robotics classrooms with furniture to support robotics learning.
Official Vex World Championship Sponsor
Did you know? We’re an official sponsor for the Vex World Championship! We work closely with their specifications to create storage and support furniture that is attuned to building quality robots.
In K-12 education, where subjects like math, science and language often take center stage, the importance of art can sometimes be overlooked.
Contrary to popular belief that art class is simply learning how to draw or paint, it offers so much more value than just making art. It provides students with opportunities to express themselves creatively, develop critical thinking skills and cultivate a deeper understanding of the world around them. Studies have also found that students enrolled in arts education programs are 5 times less likely to drop out of school and 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
And apart from the art-making process, displaying student art also has several benefits:
1. Boosts student self-esteem.
One of the biggest benefits of showcasing student art in the classroom is the sense of pride and accomplishment students feel. This can help boost their self-esteem and make them more confident in their abilities.
2. Encourages creativity.
When students see their classmates' artwork, they are inspired to be more creative themselves. They may try new techniques or experiment with different materials. This can help them to develop their artistic skills and learn new ways to express themselves.
3. Fosters a positive classroom environment.
When student art is displayed in the classroom, it creates a sense of unity and belonging. It shows that the school values the arts and the work of its students. This can help to build a stronger sense of community and create a positive classroom environment.
How to Showcase Student Art
Displaying student artwork can be done effectively using a variety of display cases designed for showcasing items.
Access Display Case
Featuring three adjustable glass shelves, our Access Display Case is an aesthetic option to display student art. The sliding glass doors and sides allow easy viewing of the showcased items while maintaining security with a locking mechanism. The cabinets also come with lighting (installation may be required according to local codes).
Perspective Canvas Door Display Cabinet
If you’re working with a tight or small space, our Perspective Canvas Door Display Cabinet is the perfect solution! This storage cabinet not only provides ample storage space but also features doors that are covered with black canvas mesh that provides the perfect space for hanging artwork.
Let’s Transform Your Art Classroom
At Diversified Spaces, we understand the importance of a solid arts education and offer a range of furniture solutions to help outfit your art classroom. Reach out today to discover how we can help create an environment where creativity thrives and student artwork is celebrated!
Discover how our furniture is making a difference at Sun Prairie West High School! From our Forum Workbenches offering durability and project workspace for tech ed students to our Drafting Tables providing functionality and ample work surface for art class, each piece was chosen to enhance the overall learning experience and improve student outcomes.
Reach out today to learn how we can help your school create optimal learning spaces!
At first thought, you may think of the protective gear students should wear upon entering the lab. You may also think of safety supplies such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers and even eyewash stations.
However, one important safety element that is often overlooked is the choice of lab countertops. The right top material can significantly impact safety, durability and functionality within the lab. Let’s take a look at some common lab countertop options and help you determine which one is best suited for your lab’s specific needs.
1. Epoxy Resin
Many lab environments – like chemistry labs – often deal with chemicals and high temperatures daily. If this sounds like your lab, our 1” Epoxy Resin option is an ideal choice. This non-absorbent lab countertop is chemical and heat-resistant, ensuring longevity and safety in the lab.
2. Phenolic Resin
If you're looking for a versatile lab countertop that compares to epoxy resin, our ¾” Phenolic Resin top is the way to go. Known for its durable construction, this material is perfect for lab surfaces experiencing heavy usage. It's also a go-to option for labs engaging in cold/dry ice experiments. With chemical resistance, non-flammability, and non-absorbency, Phenolic Resin shares 90% of the characteristics of epoxy resin but comes at a fraction of the cost, making it a budget-friendly alternative.
3. ChemGuard
For middle school classrooms or spaces dealing with milder chemicals, our 1-¼” ChemGuard top option is an excellent choice. This lab countertop blends the decorative looks of high-pressure laminate with a durable, chemical-resistant composition, ensuring safety without compromising aesthetics. It also features a Class 1 fire rating and a 3mm PVC molding that is heat-bonded to create a waterproof edge.
4. HPL
If your lab doesn’t consistently handle chemicals and high temperatures throughout the day, consider our HPL (high-pressure laminate) top option. This superior lab countertop is resistant to scratching, offering high wear value and making it a perfect, cost-effective option for general science rooms. However, it does have limited resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
Still need help deciding? Here’s a summary of our recommendations:
Epoxy
Phenolic
Chemguard
HPL
Type of Lab
Chemistry
Biology, Physics
Middle School Biology & Physics
General Science
As always, it’s best to ask yourself these questions before making a final decision:
What types of experiments will be conducted?
Will you be using chemicals and high temperatures in the lab?
Do you have any budget constraints?
What safety standards need to be met?
Is aesthetic appeal important?
Ready to Choose Your Lab Countertop?
Choosing the right top material for your lab tables is important for overall safety and functionality in your school lab. At Diversified Spaces, our team of experts is ready to collaborate with you! Let us help you choose a top option that meets your lab’s exact requirements. Reach out today to get started!
