New Science Building Opens After Year of Construction

ELLEN LI

Staff Writer

On the first day of school, AHS’ new science building was officially opened to students and teachers. The building was completed over the summer after a year of construction.

“The [building’s] design is very sophisticated, and it puts me into a learning mood the moment I walk in,” said sophomore Tiffany Chiu.

There are many new and improved features in this building, including fume hoods, safety showers, eye washing stations, a water filtration system and access to chemistry lab stations.

“I’m happy [about the new building.] I think most students are excited to come to science class. As soon as all the glitches are resolved, it will be a great place for students and teachers to work in,” said Chemistry teacher Sunita Tharayil.

Despite all these new additions, there have been several problems in the building. One major problem is the noise that comes from the fume hoods. Several errors were made during its design, so it makes a loud, continuous noise when venting the air out. They have been temporarily turned off while the problem is being identified and fixed.

Another problem is the design of the classrooms, which are very long and narrow.

“The design should have been thoughtful to the students sitting,” said Chemistry and AP Biology teacher Sue Carr. “They are way too long […] the students are so far away that students in the back can’t hear me.”

Other than these flaws and a shortage of stools and microscopes, the new science building has been a success among students and teachers so far.

“There are a lot of really great things about [the new science building],” said Carr. “After everybody gets settled in, it will be great. [The school administrators] worked very hard to make us happy,” said Carr.