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(SCE 3073 Scientific Skills and Science Laboratory Management)

SCIENCE LABORATORY MANAGEMENT

TITLE 1

SYNOPSIS

Good Science Laboratory Management will take into account the efficient
management of the laboratory management committee in terms of the role of
each personnel involved, budget management, purchasing, stock storage
and recording as well as the chemical disposal process.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this title, it is hoped that students get;

1. knowledge about science laboratory management that involves

duties of each member in the science laboratory management committee
2. understand budget procedures and the purchase of science materials and
tools,
storage and disposal of chemicals
3. design a proper science lab.

TITLE FRAMEWORK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 Needs and Importance of the Laboratory

In primary schools, science rooms are provided or classrooms are modified to

carry out laboratory activities for science learning in addition to storing Science
materials and equipment.
 A science room equipped with sufficient facilities, equipment and materials
is an important vehicle for carrying out activities that may help students
achieve the learning outcomes/standards that have been set.
 Laboratory activities provide opportunities for students to interact directly
with natural materials, use appropriate equipment, data collection
techniques, models and others.
 Develop practical work skills, manipulative skills as well as group work
skills
 Laboratory activities can develop students' intellectual ability and scientific
skills
 The science laboratory is also a vehicle for science teaching and learning
but also to facilitate the assessment of Practical Science Work (PEKA)
and classroom assessment (PBD)
 Improving the effectiveness of teacher teaching and mastery of learning
content by students. Laboratory activities can also foster students' interest
in learning science

2.2 Organizational Structure of Science Laboratory Management Positions

Science laboratories need to be managed efficiently so that the teaching and

learning process runs well and effectively. Efficient management requires
commitment from all parties starting from the Principal/Headmaster to the
General Office Assistant. Figure 1.1 shows the organizational chart of science
laboratory management that is commonly practiced in schools today.

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For primary schools, the science room is managed by the Head of the Science
Committee and there are usually four units under the management of the science
room, namely;
a. Science Room Fun Unit
b. Stock Storage Unit
c. Room Security Unit
d. Teaching Aids Storage Unit

Figure 2.1 shows the organization chart of elementary school science room
management.

Headmaster

Senior Assistant Teacher 1

Science Committee

Science teachers

Figure 2.1: Elementary School Science Room Management Organization

Chart.

Discussion

Discuss the organization chart of laboratory/ science room management in the

school where you run PBS and compare it with the information above. State the
function of each personnel in the organization chart.

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1.2 Roles and Responsibilities of Science Laboratory Staff

All members under the organizational structure in the field of Science are
involveddirectly in the management and administration of laboratories and
science rooms in schools. The school head teacher is responsible for the overall
management of the laboratory and science room in the management of the
school's science curriculum and co-curriculumfromin terms of planning,
implementation, coordination, evaluation and monitoring. The Headmaster is the curriculum
leader who is responsible for the teachers and laboratory and science room staff in
professional and managerial aspects.
Head of the Science Committeeresponsible for assisting the Headmaster in
the overall management of the laboratory and science room.

2.2.1 Functions of the Head of the Science Committee

1. The Science Department consists of all science teachers and science

laboratory staff led by the Head of the Primary School Science Committee.

2. The Head of the Science Committee is responsible;

a.Plan the annual expenditure for the acquisition of scientific equipment and materials.
b.Reviewing and updating the stock of laboratories and science rooms in terms of equipment and science material needs throughout the year.
c.Record damaged and lost science equipment and materials for write-off and disposal purposes.
d.Ensuring the method of storing equipment, science materials and the operation manual of science equipment according to procedures and system.
e. Checking and updating laboratory and science room management records as
follows:
i. Order science equipment and materials
i. Science lab stock
iii. Loan or transfer of scientific equipment and materials
iv. Damage and loss

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v. Maintenance and inspection

i. An accident
vii. Records of science laboratory use
f.Maintain equipment and experimental materials perfectly.
g. Planning and preparing:
i. Emergency safety action plan
i. Safety rules
iii. Emergency and fire drills
iv. Fire prevention equipment and maintenance schedule
v. A first aid kit that is complete and does not expire
its use
h. Ensure the physical laboratory and science room, electricity supply system,
water, gas, furniture and other facilities work and comply with safety features.
i.Ensure laboratory and science room safety rules are followed and practiced by all parties using the laboratory and science room.
j.Provide guidance and supervise the work of laboratory and science room staff.
k.Ensuring that the laboratory and science room are always clean, cheerful and safe.
l.Give professional guidance to the teachers in the committee and
laboratory and science room staff.
m.Help plan the annual budget for the committee.
n.Carry out other duties directed by the Principal and Headmaster from
from time to time.

2.2.2 Science Teacher Functions

1. One person Science teachers are members of the school's Science
Committee.
2. The duties of science teachers in the management of laboratories and science
rooms are as follows
the following:
a. Adhere to the use schedule of the laboratory and science room.
b. Ensure students comply with and practice laboratory and science room
safety rules.

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c. Ensuring that the laboratory and science room are always clean, cheerful and
safe.
d. Identifying the need for science equipment and materials to be used in
practical work as well as filling out forms or order books for the actions of
laboratory and science room staff.
e. Supervise the use of scientific equipment and materials so that they are used
correctly, carefully, economically and comply with safety measures.
f. Assist the Head of Science and Mathematics or the Head of the Committee
to record, check and update stock.
g. Manage the information system for science lists and materials.
h. Carry out other duties as directed by the Principal and Headmaster from time
to time.

Exercise

1. State the three main duties of the Head of the Science Committee, the
Science Teacher and in the management of the science laboratory.
2. List the activities that can be done by the head of the science committee and
the science teachers during the school holidays.

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2.3 Budgets, Orders and Payments

(Refer to the Per Capita Guidelines Book
2.3.1 Financial resources
i. Per capita grant (Per Capita Grant, PCG)
- PCG is used to buy scientific equipment and materials for PdP purposes.

Table 5.1: PCG assistance rates for Core Subjects (MP Core) for Day
School/Sports School according to Financial Circular No. 5, 2006, dated 31 July
2006

TYPES OF ANNUAL PCG RATE

HELP
101 – 150 151 – 500 501 – 1000 1001 students
students students students and above
CORE MP RM 2,100 + RM2,900 + RM5,700 + RM10,700 +
PCG RM16.00 per RM8.00 per RM10.00 per RM9.00 per
student over student over student over student over
100 people 150 people 500 people 1000 people

Table 5.2: PCG aid rate for Core Subjects (MP Core) for Primary Schools with
Fewer Pupils according to Financial Circular No. 5, 2006, dated 31 July 2006
TYPES OF ANNUAL PCG RATE
HELP
21 - 50
≤ 20 students 51 - 100 students
students
CORE MP RM 1,400 RM1,600 RM1,600 + RM10.00 per student
PCG over 50 people

According to the first addendum to Financial Circular No. 5, 2002, PCGH

calculation for Core Science MP is dependent on student enrollment in a school.
^)% of the total Core PCG is for Science, Mathematics and English subjects. The
amount for Core Science is 40% of the 60%.

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So a summary of the calculations for Core Science subjects in primary school is

as follows:

Core Science PCG = 40% x [60% x Total Core Subject PCG]

Example of PCG calculation.

SK Taman Rasah Jaya has 700 students. What is the PCG demand for Science
Core subjects for the school
Basics of PCG Calculations Total PCG MP Core
First 500 students = RM5,700.00
RM7,700.00
The next 200 students x RM10.00 = RM2,000.00

Total Science PCG Claim = 40% x [60% x RM7,700]

= RM1,848.00

2.3 Budget

1. The budget involves the systematic planning of the purchase of chemicals and
scientific equipment and offices based on allocations. It requires wisdom to
ensure optimal use by schools.
2. Two components that need to be taken into account before the expenditure
estimate is done, which are requirements and allocations. Requirements are
planned based on current stock in laboratory storage and a record system
that is updated at all times. The allocation is planned based on the updated
current allocation position so that expenses do not exceed the allocation.
3. Planning is done two or three months before the end of the year. This allows
consideration of what to buy and early ordering. Planning is the
responsibility of the Science Committee and science subject teachers.
However, the final decision is made by the Principal.
4. When making a budget, the following things should be taken into account;

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a. Check all stocks in each laboratory to determine the quantity of items

and;
 Determine the annual use of consumable items.
 When in a year are consumable items needed?
 Very few types of equipment.
 New equipment needed next year.
 Items of damaged and stolen equipment.
b. Check the facilities in each laboratory such as water supply, electricity,
gas, furniture and others.
c. Prepare a list of annual requirements.
d. Make a short list of annual needs for science equipment and materials.
e. Get a price list from the supplier.
f. Get the total PCG allocation.
g. Make budget estimates and priority lists.
h. Checking whether the list of requirements is in the central contract.
5. A coordination meeting should be held to determine what needs to be
purchased based on the allocation.

2.4. Order and Payment

1. The purchase of laboratory equipment is approved by the Headmaster.

2. If the estimated price for one item/type or one class of item/type exceeds
RM500,000, the purchase must be through a tender. For the purchase of
one item/type or one class of item/type between RM50,000 to RM500,000,
the purchase is through a quotation. For the purchase of one item/type or
one class of item/type less than RM50,000, direct purchase ( Direct
Award) by quotation (RM 500.00-RM50,000.00) or petty cash (RM 500.00
or less).

3. Central Supply is made by the Malaysian Ministry of Education when a new

school is built, a new curriculum is introduced, or a special allocation

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program is allocated by the government. KPM will coordinate the central

supply contract in terms of identifying, purchasing, delivering, installing and
testing the apparatus within a period of time. If science equipment or
materials are on the central contract list but the school wants to make
purchases in minimal quantities, direct purchases can be made to other
companies.

4. The quotation purchase procedure is as follows;

a. Get a quote.
The school sent letters to at least five (5) suppliers asking for quotations.
Specify item specifications and required quantity. Specify the quote
closing date. Keep a copy of the letter.
b. Selection of suppliers
The school selects suppliers based on quotations. The main criteria are
reasonable item prices, product quality, supplier status, after-sales
service. Sometimes it is necessary to ask for a sample to be checked first.
A list of equipment and materials according to the company that has been
selected should be prepared.
c. Fill out the Order Form and send it to the successful supplier.
Approval of the department head is required.
d. Local Order (LO) to suppliers.
e. Receipt letter/note.
The supplier sends a note acknowledging receipt of the order.
f. Delivery note.
The supplier sends a delivery note, stating the date and time the goods
will be delivered to the school as stated in the order form.
g. Receipt of goods.
The supplier delivers the goods.
Three copies of the delivery note are enclosed. Before signing the delivery
note, check the delivered goods. Two copies of the signed note are
returned to the supplier. Another is kept by the school.

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h. Invoice.
The supplier sends the invoice together with a signed copy of the delivery
note. The head of the department checks the invoice to match the price
made. Send the invoice to the school office for payment.

5. Direct Purchase Procedure

I) By quotation (Direct Award)

a. The laboratory assistant fills out the application form and is signed by the
head of the field/committee.
b. The school administration will askquotations from several companies.
c. A selection is made and successful companies are contacted.
d. The school will send the order form and the company will send the
equipment/materials along with the invoice and Delivery Order (DO).
e. The school inspects the equipment/materials before signing the invoice
and DO.

II) Generally Petty Cash

a. The laboratory assistant fills out the application form and is signed by the
head of the field/committee.
b. The laboratory can buy first and submit a receipt to the school
administrator to withdraw money frompetty cash.

Collect information

1. You are required to collect information regarding the purchase and payment
procedures for scientific equipment/materials along with examples of order
forms, invoices and Order delivery.

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Exercise

1. Define PCG (Per Capita Grant). How is the PCG calculation method for
government primary school students determined.

2.5 Stock storage and maintenance

1. In school laboratories, science equipment is usually kept in the science

laboratory section or in the preparation room while chemicals are kept in the
chemical store.
2. In stores and laboratories, there are storage spaces, namely drawers,
cupboards, cabinets, shelves and so on. Each space must be labeled
according to what is stored in it. In addition to labels, the storage space is
given an appropriate code so that it is easy to find materials/items during
stock checks.

3. How to store Chemicals is as follows;

a. Chemicals (whether organic or inorganic) should be separated from

other materials and equipment because there are chemicals that are
poisonous, flammable, corrosive and so on.
b. It is necessary to always check the stock because the material is easily
damaged if stored for a long time.
c. Use old stock first.

d. The date of receipt of each bottle must be clearly written.

e. Store the new stock behind the old stock on the shelf.
4. For inorganic chemicals, they should be labeled on the bottle according to the
name of the metal. Bottles of inorganic chemicals are arranged
alphabetically in a closed cupboard.
5. Do not arrange on an exposed shelf because it is easy to get dust.

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6. Di, tri, ortho and meta additions are ignored and stored according to the metal
name. Example: Triammonium orthophosphate is stored under the name
ammonium compound.
7. Separate chemicals that can absorb water from the air with those that can
remove water from the air.
8. Chemical substances that can absorb water from the air are such as
concentrated sulfuric acid, barium chloride, barium nitrate, iron (III) chloride,
potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium thiocyanate, calcium
chloride, calcium oxide, calcium nitrate, cobalt (II ) chloride, cobalt (II) nitrate,
chromium (II) sulfate, copper (II) chloride, copper (II) nitrate, magnesium
chloride, sodium bromide, sodium hydroxide, sodium iodide, sodium nitrate,
stannous (II) chloride, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate.
9. Materials that can lose crystal water to the air such as ammonium carbonate,
borax (disodium tetraborate), potassium hexacyanoferrate (II), magnesium
sulfate, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate and sodium sulfate.
10. Corrosive liquid chemicals should not be placed on shelves that
height.
11. Alkali metals that are very active and easily oxidized when in contact with air
should be kept immersed in paraffin oil. If you want to remove, use tongs
and cut with a sharp knife. Do not touch with hands.
12. As for yellow (white) Phosphorus, it is very dangerous and very active. So
this material needs to be stored in cold water.
13. For chemicals that are decomposed by light such as argentum nitrate and
concentrated nitric acid, they need to be stored in dark glass bottles.
14. For chemicals that are easily damaged by heat such as vitamin C (ascorbic
acid) and hydrogen peroxide, they need to be stored in the refrigerator.
15. For very dangerous chemicals such as arsenic compounds and cyanide
salts. Store in a special locked cupboard and record the quantity.

2.6 Write-off and Disposal

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1. Disposal in science laboratories can be divided into disposal of waste

materials, disposal of chemical stock and disposal of government movable
assets.

2.6.1 Disposal of Waste Materials

1. After carrying out the practical, you need to ensure that all waste materials are
disposed of in the right way. The practice of throwing this waste into the
drainage system or drain should be avoided because it is likely that this
material will flow into residential areas, lakes or rivers.
2. Appropriate disposal methods are;
a) Water-soluble and non-reactive substances can be discharged
directly into the bulk water drainage system.
b) Organic materials should be collected in bottles and labeled.
c) Acidic chemicals should be diluted up to 10-4 molar and then
neutralized. Only then can it be thrown into a large water drain.
d) Metal salts such as mercury and cadmium should be precipitated first before
being removed.
e) Hazardous solid materials can be thrown directly into the trash. However,
glass and metal materials should be packed and disposed of.
f) Excrement, animal carcasses and plant waste can be planted.

2.6.2 Chemical Stock Disposal

1. The disposal of chemicals or low-value stocks is usually done when the

chemicals have reached their expiry date, are excessive, contaminated,
leaked or no longer used.
3. The school needs to fill in the KEW PS-19 Low Value Stock Report Form and
get the signature of the Stock Inspection Officer consisting of a
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Chemistry/Biology/Science Teacher/Lecturer or laboratory assistant. This

disposal must be approved by the principal/Headmaster.
4. The information then needs to be sent to the Approving Authority along with
the following documents to obtain disposal approval;
a) Form KEW PS-19
b) Letter from the Department of Environment
c) Letter from the Company appointed by the Department of
Environment.
5. Disposal is carried out after obtaining approval according to the rules-
predetermined methods such as throw away, plant or burn.

2.6.3 Disposal of Government Movable Assets

1. Scientific equipment material consisting of capital property and inventory must

be disposed of in accordance with Treasury Circular No. 05 of 2007
(Government Transferable Asset Management Procedures) and Treasury
Circular No. 05 of 2009.
2. The disposal of movable assets is an act of removing assets from possession,
control, storage and records according to the established rules.
3. These assets are disposed of if they are damaged and uneconomical to repair,
cannot be used, exceed requirements, do not move and are recommended
after asset verification or inspection is carried out.
4. The department needs to identify the assets that need to be disposed of and
prepare the PEP Inspector's Certificate through the KEW PA-16 form (if
necessary). Then the inspection board completes the KEW PA-17
Inspection Board Report Form and sends the information to the disposal
secretariat to be sent to the Approving Committee of either JPN or KPM
according to the value of the asset.
5. Once the decision is received from the approver, the disposal needs to be
carried out immediately and the school needs to complete the KEW PA-19

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form and send it back to the approving authority and the school's asset
records need to be updated on the KEW PA-2 or KEW PA-3 form.

Exercise

1. You have completed practical work involving several materials such as;
 Dilute hydrochloric acid solution
 Dilute sodium hydroxide solution
 Sulfur crystals
Explain the disposal method for the waste material.

2. State the disposal process for concentrated nitric acid that has expired.

2.7 Science Laboratory Design

Appliance
shelves/cupboards Chemical Shelf

Preparation Room Chemical Store

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Table
Staff
Preparation
Room Door

Entranc
Table Teacher
e

− − − −
Table
Student
Sink
− − − −

− − − −

− − − −

− − − −

− − − −

− − − −
The door
Room Get out
Smoke

Wardrobe
1. A complete Science Laboratory should have a room for teaching and learning
activities, a preparation room and a chemical store.
2. Science laboratory tables are usually fixed in position and equipped with sinks
and gas pipes. For the science room, the arrangement of the tables can be
modified for activities such as role playing, simulations and science
investigations.

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3. The Preparation Room usually stores science equipment and houses one or
more science lab assistants. Science laboratory management files and
official desk files are usually placed here.
4. The chemical store is equipped with shelves to store chemicals either in solid
or liquid form by following the correct storage method.
5. Volatile, corrosive, smelly and dangerous chemicals are usually handled in a
fume chamber.

Tutorials

1. Discuss the difference between a science laboratory and a school science

room in terms of function, layout and facilities.

Surf the Internet

1. Please browse the internet and find examples of science lab designs in
several schools and compare them in terms of design.

Reference:
Beng, DC & Yahya, MK (1982). Science lab guide. Kuala Lumpur:
Materials and Library Hall.

Nasir, J. & Zakaria, N. (2001). School science lab guide. Online 28.10.
2012http://lab.8m.com/index.htm

Poh, SH (2001). Science pedagogy 4: Laboratory management and science

resources.
Kuala Lumpur: Kumpulan Budiman Sdn Bhd.

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