A procedure for physical facilities management written 17 years ago is still worth following today. Each of the steps outlined for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating must be accomplished if school facilities are to be properly planned and constructed. However, lessons have been learned about energy consumption and proper…

Discusses visual perception, especially with regard to lighting, as a prime factor in reading ability or disability. Argues that research indicates that improved lighting can help correct reading disorders in students. (HB)

Discusses how carpeting is a key factor in providing comfort, safety, acoustical enhancement, temperature control, and natural lighting enhancement for schools. Tips for choosing the right carpet and carpet maintenance are provided. (GR)

Explores the issues involved in conducting effective safety audits for educational facilities. Areas covered include auditing for site characteristics, access control, lighting, building exterior, door types and locking mechanisms, key control, alarm system controls, security monitors, and vision panels in the doors. (GR)

When well-designed and integrated into a campus living or learning space, an atrium can function as the heart and spirit of a building, connecting interior rooms and public spaces with the outside environment. However, schools and universities should seek technological and HVAC solutions that maximize energy efficiency. This article discusses how…

High-performance schools are facilities that improve the learning environment while saving energy, resources and money. Creating a high-performance school requires an integrated design approach. Key systems--including lighting, HVAC, electrical and plumbing--must be considered from the beginning of the design process. According to William H.…

A student experiment on dynamic calorimetry is described. Dynamic calorimetry is a powerful technique for calorimetric studies, especially at high temperatures and pressures. A low-power incandescent lamp serves as the sample. The ScienceWorkshop data-acquisition system with DataStudio software from PASCO Scientific displays the results of the…

This curriculum guide consists of nine modules on lighting, one of the three divisions of the standardized trade electricity curriculum in high schools in New York City. The nine modules cover the following subjects: armored cable, rigid conduit, electrical metallic tubing, services and meters, fluorescent lighting, metal molding, wiremold, Romex,…

The "Mighty Mobius" is a portable, theatrical performance tent designed to accept power, light, and sound equipment. (Author/MLF)

Renovation to obtain maximum benefits from existing structures can be as simple as relighting. (Author/EA)

Two schools solve the need for more classroom space -- one by renovating an existing but outdated facility and the other by building with an eye for future expansions. (Author)

Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) is a seminal film because of its concern, now generic, with the profound impact technological progress has on mankind's social and spiritual progress. As in many later science fiction films, the ascendancy of artifact over nature is depicted not as liberating human beings, but as subjecting and corrupting…

This manual introduces basic video production techniques for use by instructors in developing videos for classroom presentations and for "make-up" classes. The topics covered include script writing, camera movements, lighting, sound, location vs. studio production, working with talent, video editing, and the design of the overall production.…

The purpose of this manual is to consolidate into a single document all the maintenance and operational steps that, when implemented, will result in the lowest energy use consistent with school educational programs. The manual describes procedures for keeping the building and its equipment well maintained and efficiently run, establishing…