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[Phys-L] Re: Desks v. Tables



Many years ago I had the opportunity to design my classroom. Because I
needed to do labs in the same space as the lecture, I chose 5-m long tables
for both. I have been grateful ever since. The tables allow the students
to spread out their textbooks, notebooks, calculators (food:-) during
lecture and provide space to do quicky exercises, as well. The students sit
on rotating stools with backs. They love it! I would choose the tables
even if I had a separate area for labs. It goes without saying that they
are superb for lab work, capable of holding two 2.0 m-long air tracks per
table.

Wes


----- Original Message -----
From: "Pete Lohstreter" <plohstreter@MAIL.HOCKADAY.ORG>
To: <PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 10:02 AM
Subject: Desks v. Tables


Does anyone know of any research dealing with the design of a physics
classroom? Specifically Tables v. Student Desks.

My classroom has a full set of lab stations at the rear of the room and
students desks in the front. Is it worthwhile to replace the desks with
tables? Students will never be doing labwork at the tables only at the
lab stations. The front of the room is for instruction and group work.
The desks can be arranged in quads for group work.

Any insight is appreciated.

thanks

Pete Lohstreter "Happy is he who gets to know
The Hockaday School the reasons for things. "
11600 Welch Rd Virgil (70-19 BCE) Roman poet.
Dallas, TX 75229

214-360-6389

plohstreter@mail.hockaday.org

See what our students are doing......
http://home.hockaday.org/HockadayNet/Academic/physics/index.html