Last year, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) released a statement claiming that 65 per cent of school laboratories were sub-standard or uninspiring, and that it would cost £1.9 billion to bring them up to scratch. Faced with such a significant cost, a mobile science cart could be a viable alternative to fixed laboratories for schools and academies, helping them to save money and make better use of restricted space. The carts are designed to operate as a fully mobile science laboratory, often complete with glassware, a fully functioning sink and tap, data loggers and ample storage space for equipment.
Other than reducing cost, mobile science carts are perhaps most beneficial as a way to utilise a school's space more effectively. Consisting of most of the equipment that you would expect to find in a traditional laboratory, a science cart could even be used to replace a fixed laboratory in the same way that a laptop charging trolley could replace a desktop ICT suite. Although doing away with fixed laboratories may not be an option for every school, it is certainly an option worth considering if space is an issue. Designed with a small footprint, the carts can easily be locked away in an office or storage cupboard overnight to keep chemicals out of reach, or bolted to the floor to prevent unauthorised personnel wheeling them away.
In addition to replacing traditional science classrooms, mobile science carts are also a fantastic tool for demonstration. Due to their mobility, the carts can be transported throughout buildings and be placed at the front of lecture halls, classes, assemblies and other events to be used as a teacher demonstration station. This is especially useful for primary schools that may not have a fixed laboratory and may want to keep chemicals away from young children. Carts that use data logging equipment are perfect for demonstration because the results of numerous experiments, gauging variables like temperature, magnetic fields and heart rates, can be easily displayed to the audience.
So, if schools are considering purchasing a mobile science laboratory, what type of things should they look out for?
There are a few different manufacturers of science carts on the market, but this certainly doesn't mean that the products that they offer are all of the same standard. If a school is using the cart to replace their existing laboratory, it is essential that the cart has a fully functioning sink, tap and a chemically resistant work surface to enable experiments to be carried out. The cabinet should also be constructed of fully welded steel for enhanced security; this is especially important if dangerous chemicals or valuable laptops will be stored inside. Schools would also do well to select a cart that has been treated against corrosion or rust to reduce the risk of their investment being subject to excess wear and tear.
If the mobile science laboratory has been configured to store laptops, schools must ensure that they choose a cart that charges the devices with pre-configured leads. This safety feature will ensure that no liquid can come into contact with electricity. Devices such as cameras and packaged 'science kits' of experiments are also included on particular models, but, when determining value for money, schools should consider if these items are really necessary, or if they already have this equipment.
With space and finance becoming increasingly restricted for schools, a mobile science cart could provide a viable alternative to fixed laboratories and an excellent teaching station for experiments. Mobile science laboratories help to reduce costs, save space, and provide the facilities to teach science anywhere, anytime.
V. Cole
