District/School Administration Administration
The Board of Education Advisory Councils

Technology Education

Suggested Key Elements for Technology/Engineering Lab Facilities for Middle and High Schools

This document of suggested key elements for a technology/engineering laboratory was prepared by the Massachusetts Board of Education Technology/Engineering Advisory Council in March of 2003. The Council recognized that in order to implement the technology/engineering learning standards in the 2001 Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework, adequate facilities are needed to enable technology/engineering programs to be successful. As school departments and school committees plan for new or renovated school buildings, this document will provide valuable guidance for architects during the design phase so that the state learning standards and the laboratory facilities are properly aligned.

The following is intended for one area (Engineering Design, Fabrication and Office) with a class size of 18 students.

A. ENGINEERING DESIGN AREA (Instructional , Research & Design )

1. 1,500 sq. foot (minimum)
2. HVAC controlled atmosphere
3. Sink with hot & cold water
4. 100 sq. foot (minimum) storage area (materials & projects)
5. 100 sq. foot (minimum) secure storage area (supplies)
6. Vinyl composition tile floor (no carpeting)
7. Adequate furnishings (work stations, desks, chairs, etc.) to meet programmatic needs
8. Surge protection on all computer equipment
9. Battery and generator back up power for all networking equipment (servers, hubs, and switches)

B. FABRICATION AREA (Prototyping , Manufacturing , Construction)

1. 2,000 sq. foot (minimum)
2. Minimum ceiling height of 12 feet
3. Sink with hot and cold water
4. Ground level location
5. Outside access with door (6 foot minimum)
6. 100 square foot (minimum) secure storage area (tools and equipment)
7. 100 square foot (minimum) storage area (materials and projects)
8. Concrete floor
9. Flat work surfaces: 6 @ 5'x4'
10. Propane gas availability
11. Adequate tools, machines, and equipment to meet the technology/engineering learning standards

C. INSTRUCTOR'S OFFICE

1. 100 sq. foot (minimum)
2. Clear view of ENGINEERING DESIGN and FABRICATION AREAS
3. Lockable door

SHARED ELEMENTS

1. Glass partition with door access between ENGINEERING DESIGN and
2. FABRICATION areas
3. Adequate ventilation; dust, air cleaning, and emissions controls
4. Communication (voice and data) and network capability to include Internet access
5. Adequate data ports in all areas
6. Adequate, flexible, and expandable electrical power
   • no floor outlets
   • no poles
   • ceiling drops preferred
   • "E" power off - buttons in all areas

7. Compressed air available (100 lb. minimum)