overcrowding in K-12 STEM classrooms and labs

摘要

Overcrowding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms is the number one safety concern among STEM teachers (Horton, 1988; Macomber, 1961; Stephenson, West, Westerlund, & Nelson, 2003; West & Kennedy, 2014; West, Westerlund, Nyland, Nelson, & Stephenson, 2002). Indeed, there is a statistically significant correlation (p<0.001) between overcrowding and increased accident rates as seen in Figures 1 and 2 based on a study of 270 accidents (Stephenson et al., 2003; West & Kennedy, 2014). Overcrowding can occur in any type of room where STEM activities occur such as labs or classrooms or combination lab/classrooms or makerspaces.