A PLAN FOR PREVENTION OF CROWDING IN SPECIAL APPARATUS ROOMS
A signal with remomble numbers is hung at a point visible from every par1 of a student laboratory. A student removes a number from the panel, replaces it with an identcfying card, thus restricting an apparatus to his use. When through he replaces the number and so releases the apparatus. The system mintains order and keeps records of users of apparatus. Directions for making and using the s i ~ n aare l included.
. . . . . . Success in laboratory instruction depends on systematic management. One requirement is a plan to prevent waste of time and effort under comfortable and unhurried working conditions. An attempt to fulfil this requirement is made in a number of teaching laboratories by providing special rooms for balances, colorimeters, and other special apparatus. This is good practice but the obligation of the department is not discharged by the mere provision of the rooms and the apparatus therein. Some regulation of student traffic in such rooms should he maintained in order to prevent crowding, inconvenience, waste of time, and dispute as to availability of apparatus. In addition, sometimes it is advisable to know who has used an instrument because of its condition when vacated or for the purpose of further instruction in its use. These conditions may be prevented and a check on apparatus use maintained by a simple signaling device. Tts preparation and use are described T herewith. Benefits of the Apparatus Signal
It systematizes laboratory procedure by the prevention of disputes, crowding, inconvenience, and waste of time in special apparatus rooms. It designates the number and location of instruments available a t any moment to all students in the laboratory. It keeps special rooms free of all students except those actuaily using apparatus, and thus insures a comfortable place to work. It guarantees continued availability of apparatus until a student is through with it. It furnishes the instructor a separate chronologic record of the users of each apparatus. Its cost and maintenance are trifling. Directions for Constructing a Signal for Twelve Units Materials Needed: A board of well-seasoned, dressed white pine or cypress, '/s X 15 X 181/e",or a sufficient number of narrower ?/sVstrips carefully jointed and fastened by two screw-fastened clamps to make a single panel of the above dimensions. 2080
VOL. 9. No. 12
CROWDING IN APPARATUS ROOMS
A piece of dressed cypress or white ~ine-~/sX 4" X 5'. 24 wire or finishing nails, l'/z". 1 box of upholstery tacks. 1 piece of sand-paper, No. 1 or finer. 15 arabic numerals 3 in. high, aluminum or painted white: 5*nes, 2-twos, 1 each-3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. 2 brass screw-eyes for hanging panel. Paint brush and black paint, dull-drying finish. A supply of paper or cards, found in any office, cut to 3 X 3'/2".
PIGURE I . - W O R ~ GD R A ~ GFOR S SIGNAL BLOCKS AND
BOR
Posrno~sON r n SIGNAL ~ PANEL
LOCATING TEEIR
Paste. White shellac. Preparation of the Signal: Signal fianel-'/, X 15 X Bevel the edges of the front surface of the large panel and sandpaper it all over. Signal block~-~/n X 4 X 4". Cut 12 square blocks, 4 X 4", from the 3/n" material. Bevel the edges of one side and sandpaper all over. Mark one block for drilling as follows (see Figure 1, upper left comer) : Saihe a faint line aaoss the grain of the wood, 5 / 8 in. from, and parallel to, one edge and mark two points, on this line, 1 in. from the right- and lefthand edges, respectively. Centered on these points, drill '/4-in. holes
" 2092
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
DECE~ER 1932 .
from the front of the block, being sure to press the back of the block against a second piece of wood to prevent tearing of the block by the drill when i t emerges. Use this drilled block as a template for drilling the remaining 11 units; take the same precautions in drilling, and smooth up the hole openings in all blocks. Locating the Blocks and Supporting Nails on the Panel: Mark faint pencil guide lines on the large panel. See Figure 1 for working drawings showing positions of these lines. Number the 4 X 4'' blocks on the backs from 1 to 12, by indenting the wood surface. With the holes a t the top and the beveled surface a t the front, line up each block, a t its correct position, with the upper and right sides of its locating rectangle on the panel. Mark the nail positions for each block, a t the upper poles of the holes, by indenting the panel surface; do not *we nails as yet. Finishing the Signal: Paint the'panel and 12 blocks with two coats of black paint; allow plenty of time to dry%fter each coat. Then drive the 24 supporting nails into position, a t right angles to the panel, leaving 1 inch exposed. Tack the numerals to the small blocks. Drill starting holes in the top edge of the panel for screw-eyes. Insert the screweyes. Hang the 12 numbered blocks in order. A space remains a t the bottom of the panel for a card-holder into which is slipped a card on which is specified the type of apparatus controlled by the signal. (Figures 2 and 3 at the bottom.) Figure 2 shows the signal
VOL.9. NO. 12
CROWDING I N APPARATUS ROOMS
2093
complete; Figure 3 shows the signal which here indicates that balances 1, 2, 7, 10, and 12 are not available. Preparation of Student Directions for Using the Signal The followingcard is placed a t the bottom of the panel: BALANCES
See back of number for directions. Cut 12 squares of paper to fit the backs of the signal blocks and type on them the following directions: Directions.-Replace this number with a card showing your name, locker number, and the number you selected. Proceed to the apparatus room. Hang the number block in back of the c.orresponding apparatus. This guarantees the continued availability of the instrument, even in your temporary absence. When through with the apparatus, return the block to the correct position on the panel, covering your name card, which you leave in place. Do not remme any name card from any position on the panel. Paste directions on reverse side of number blocks. with white shellac. How to Use the Signal
When dry, protect
Hang the signal panel not higher than 7 feet a t a point easily seen from any part of the laboratory. Provide, near the signal, a supply of white cards or paper 3 X 3l/*". When a white card replaces a number on the p&el, the signal is seen and understood. Notify students of the purpose of the signal; their cooperation in its use is assured. The signal was devised in this laboratory, where its success has been demonstrated in keeping with all claims made for it.
