This project aims to renovate the outdated science classroom at Immaculate Conception School to better support hands-on learning. It will transform an underutilized space originally intended as a library into an inspiring science lab. The renovations will install additional sinks and lockable casework along one wall to improve lab workspace and storage. A second wall will receive new casework for student project storage. The upgrades seek to benefit the roughly 150 students annually who use this sole science classroom through more efficient labs, projects, and use of classroom time and space.

1. 1. Describe the project.
Science Lab Renovation
The current middle school science classroomat Immaculate Conception School was originally
designed to be the library. It does not have the proper infrastructure in place to perform
science labs and projects in a comfortable and efficient manner. Currently the classroomdoes
not have enough sinks or countertop space for the students to complete lab work. The proper
space and equipment will allow the science curriculum to be expanded to include more hands-
on experimentation and lab work. These types of learning experiences are more valuable for
student understanding.
This project will transform the outdated and underperforming classroom into a place that will
inspire and motivate. The renovation calls for one wall of the classroom, which currently has
underutilized shelving left over from its life as a library, to become the lab wall. This will require
the installation of four new sinks and lockable casework. This lockable casework will be used to
store items such as chemicals, ingredients and other materials. New casework will also be
purchased and installed on an adjacent wall to hold student lab projects. Currently, there is no
proper place to store lab projects safely between classes or for periods of time that allows the
students to make observations.
This science classroomis utilized by roughly 150 students per year and is the only science
specific classroomin the school. It would really benefit from a much needed upgrade to bring it
up to date so the students are able to get the finest educational experience possible.
2. Describe how the need developed and who it will serve.
The Science Lab Renovation has been in conception for the last four years. Effort has been
made each of the past four years to improve the science program. The classroom has lab tables
for the students to use. The entire class has only one sink in use and it is in disrepair. Necessary
storage and work space does not exist next to the sink at this time. The design of the classroom
does not allow for efficient use of space and one sink is not enough for the number of students.
There are 24-28 students in each class which means space and sinks are a necessity for labs and
projects. Preparation and clean up takes 5-10 minutes longer because the students are trying to
share one sink. Class periods are 40 minutes long without including 4 minutes of switching time.
Time used for preparation of labs and cleanup would decrease 5-7 minutes with the addition of
sinks. Storage in the classroom is not effectively organized. This inefficiency makes it a
problematic work space for students. Upon the completion of this renovation the classroom
will serve three grade levels 6-8 and six classes.
3. Provide anticipated outcomes.

2. Upon the completion of the Science Lab Renovation the number and effectiveness of student
projects and labs will increase. There would be a greater variety of labs done in the classroom
including more use of water, chemicals and other materials. Lab preparation and clean-up
would take less time with the additional sinks and organized room. The renovation would allow
for increased space for student labs and organization of student materials. Also with the
renovation it would provide more efficient use of the space in the classroomfor the students
and teaching. Furthermore with these renovations future generations of students will have the
opportunity to use this classroom for labs. This project is self-sustaining because once it is
installed the only money that will be needed will be for lab materials and the community can
support that need.
4. Explain what will happen if you receive a partial grant or no funding for the project.
A partial grant could complete one of the two parts of the intended project. Either part could
be completed with partial funding. No funding and the classroom would remain the same
without additional improvements on labs. There is a possibility that the school could use in-kind
capital improvement money to purchase the most necessary equipment like sinks to enhance
science instruction.