At Benchmark Products we understand that STEM education. Right now, is more important than ever for schools to invest in STEM education. In this article, we explore the importance of investing in STEM education and the crucial role school laboratories play in nurturing the next generation of scientific and technological innovators.

• Why is STEM Education Important?
• Role of Science Laboratories in STEM Education
• Key Features of a Well-Designed Science Lab
• Why Should Schools Invest In Science Laboratories?
• Enhancing STEM Education with Benchmark Products

Why is STEM Education Important?

In today’s rapidly advancing world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is becoming increasingly indispensable, offering students pathways to some of the most dynamic and rewarding careers available. STEM education is vital for a number of industries including technology, engineering, and healthcare. Due to the skills gap, the UK job market is seeing a significant increase in demand for STEM professionals, with over 150,000 new STEM jobs projected to be created by 2030 to meet industry needs​. This surge in STEM job opportunities presents students with exciting prospects for high-paying and innovative careers, making early exposure to STEM subjects more important than ever.

The Role of Science Laboratories in Learning and STEM Education

Science laboratories play a pivotal role in a student’s educational journey, particularly in STEM fields. Science laboratories in schools provide an environment for ‘practical inquiry’, a process where students develop knowledge, skills and theoretical understanding through hands-on practical learning and problem-solving. This enhances students’ understanding of scientific concepts and helps them develop critical skills such as experimental design, data analysis, and teamwork – skills that are essential for success in academia and STEM careers​.

There are a number of ways in which practical learning in science laboratories facilitates STEM education:

Experiential Learning: Through conducting experiments students can observe scientific principles firsthand, enhancing theoretical comprehension compared to textbook learning alone.

Theory Application: Students can apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom to real-world scenarios in labs, enhancing their understanding by witnessing and experiencing practical applications of scientific concepts in real-life situations.

Practising Critical Thinking: Through conducting experiments, analysing data, and drawing conclusions in science lab students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

Developing Practical Skills: Laboratory work develops crucial scientific skills such as observation, measurement, data analysis, and proper scientific equipment use. 

Pique Curiosity: Lab environments ignite curiosity and interest by offering dynamic, hands-on experiences. Experiments inspire scientific inquiry, encouraging students to ask questions, design experiments, and explore the world of science beyond textbooks.

Safety Awareness: Learning and following safety guidelines in a controlled environment, equips students with necessary safety awareness for study or work in scientific environments.

Collaborative Learning: Laboratory group work fosters teamwork, communication, and collaboration, helping students develop interpersonal skills that are valuable in both academic and professional environments.

Technology Integration: Science labs which incorporate modern technology, enable students to interact with the latest equipment and tools, keeping them up-to-date with technological advancements across scientific fields.

Learning Assessment: Laboratory activities help science teachers assess students’ understanding of scientific concepts in a practical context, complementing traditional tests and providing a well-rounded evaluation of learning. Students’ understanding of scientific concepts and helps them develop critical skills such as experimental design, data analysis, and teamwork – skills that are essential for success in academia and STEM careers​.

What are the Key Features of a Well-Designed Science Lab?

Designing an effective scientific laboratory for schools requires a focus on key features that promote engagement, motivation, ease of assessment, safety and inclusive learning. We have outline some of the key features of a well-designed science lab and their benefits below:

Adopt Zoned Layouts for Flexible Learning: Classroom zoning and pod arrangements create flexible spaces for both group collaboration and focused individual work. This approach supports diverse learning styles, encourages teamwork, and enhances problem-solving, key aspects of STEM education. 

Optimise Supervision and Assessments with Open Layouts: Open layouts, with clear, unobstructed views such as this scientific lab at Houstone School, promote easy supervision and assessment during experiments. This allows teachers to efficiently monitor and assess students’ progress while ensuring safety.

Sustain Focus with Comfortable Furniture: A comfortable environment helps prevent fidgeting and loss of focus, boosting concentration, motivation, and ultimately improving academic performance. Benchmark’s design philosophy prioritises ergonomics, ensuring that furniture is comfortable for students, even during extended periods of use.

Promote Calm and Focus with Colour Psychology: Colour schemes can influence a student’s mindset. Bright and clashing colour schemes can lead to overstimulation and distraction, while cool and complimentary colours can encourage calm and focus. For the perfect set-up, you can explore colour and worktop combinations using our handy visualiser tool.

Ensure Inclusivity with Adjustable Units: Adjustable features make the lab inclusive and accessible for students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to learning opportunities. Our height-adjustable units are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), ensuring inclusivity for all students. Furthermore, our bespoke furniture solutions can be tailored to meet the needs of individual schools and students.

Advance STEM Learning with Technology-Integrated Furniture: Incorporating technology and advanced learning tools, such as virtual simulations and data analysis software, will enhance students’ technical skills and align them with current STEM career demands. To facilitate this, our science laboratory furniture is fully integrated with power and data points.

Lead-By-Example With Sustainable Design: When schools prioritise sustainability it can encourage students to be environmentally conscious, and even inspire pursuit in STEM careers in sustainability and environmental science. Which is why our furniture is produced using sustainable materials and energy-efficient manufacturing, minimising waste.

Meet Changing Demands with Adaptable Furniture: Adaptable furniture supports diverse teaching methods, from group work to individual tasks, and ensures the lab remains versatile for future technological upgrades. Our furniture features non-permanent fixings, allowing easy reconfiguration of lab layouts. For more information on how to get the most out of your school laboratory, read our article everything you need for the perfect science lab.

Why Should Schools Invest In Science Laboratories?

Research by the UCL Institute of Education, found benefits of student laboratory work included; increased scientific career aspirations, greater personal identification with science, and improved long-term motivation, interest and confidence in science. 
However the Council for Science and Technology (CST) reported that a majority of incoming undergraduate students are poorly equipped for practical laboratory work, highlighting that earlier practical preparation in well-equipped school science laboratories is needed. The report found that a lack of proper practical experience in science laboratories, was a contributing factor to the skills gap currently seen in STEM-related industries.

Enhancing STEM Education with Benchmark Products

By equipping schools with tailored learning environments, Benchmark Products are helping to foster the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, so they can meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. Our laboratories are designed to empower teachers and motivate students, so when you partner with Benchmark Products, you’re not just investing in high-quality furniture; you’re investing in your students’ future. 

Are you ready to transform your science labs into spaces that will inspire the next generation of innovators? Contact Benchmark Products today to explore how our tailored solutions can enhance STEM education in your classrooms. Call on 01953 889 603 or send us an email at enquiries@benchmarkproducts.co.uk.