Re: Standards for physics lab tables?

[Bernard Cleyet <anngeorg@PACBELL.NET>]

chairs are restrictive for lab work (restrict motion and are more difficult to
"enter" and leave) -- I have the dubious belief that what's been used for more than a
century is probably better than what some engineer dreams up today.

bc   an old timer who believes the way it was done the middle of last century is
fine.

"Frohne, Vickie" wrote:

> I have a bit of experience with both situations. It all depends on what you
> want your students to do in your lab.
>
> Tall tables are a minus if you want your lab to double as a
> classroom/lecture room.  Students do not like sitting on stools or at tall
> tables nonstop for >20 mins.  It's too hard on their backs. Short tables
> with chairs are better for sitting & writing. Short tables are also more
> handicap-accessible, if that is a concern.
>
> Tall tables aren't very useful for anything but labs. This is a plus if you
> don't want somebody to get the idea that other classes can meet in your lab.
> If your lab can't double as a regular classroom, you're more likely to be
> able to set up equipment ahead of time and leave it up all week. I
> personally like tall tables better because it's easier to work on apparatus
> when standing up. The extra table height is useful when hanging tall
> pendulua, Atwood Machines, etc. If you expect people to be moving around the
> room when working, tall tables are best.
> If you opt for tall tables, accessibility can be achieved by having one
> small short table in the room.
>
> I think that you'll find any kind of new lab table to be fabulously
> expensive, which may be further motivation to keep what you already have.
> This is especially true if you want heavy lab-grade tops. You might be able
> to compromise with your colleague by keeping the tall tables, but replacing
> the stools with more comfortable adjustable-height chairs that have backs
> and footrests. Try looking at  drafting chairs in office-furniture catalogs
> for ideas. If the table tops are simply ugly, you can paint 'em. Some
> suppliers sell special chemical-resistant paint, if that is a concern.
>
> Vickie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gonzalez-Espada, Wilson [mailto:wilson.gonzalezespad@MAIL.ATU.EDU]
> Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2002 11:07 AM
> To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
> Subject: Standards for physics lab tables?
>
> Hello all:
>
> I think I remember reading on the list about standards for designing physics
> labs, but I cannot find the references on the archives. Right now we have
> tall lab tables with stools in our physical science labs, but a colleague
> suggested putting in place shorter tables and use regular chair. I do not
> agree, but I need to find a rationale based on experience or on physics labs
> standards that I can refer to. Any suggestions or a reference to standard
> measurements for physics lab tables will be appreciated.
>
> Wilson J. Gonzalez-Espada, Ph.D.
> Asst Professor of Physical Science/Science Education
> School of Physical and Life Sciences
> Arkansas Tech University
> 1701 N. Boulder Ave. (McEver Hall)
> Russellville, AR  72801
> (479) 968-0293
> (479) 964-0837 fax
>
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> This posting is the position of the writer, not that of SUNY-BSC, NAU or the AAPT.

This posting is the position of the writer, not that of SUNY-BSC, NAU or the AAPT.