The impending completion of the STAR building has left both teachers and students excited for the state-of-the-art facilities. However, this past year has left science teachers confined all day in the cramped quarters of  “Science Town.” Much of the student body understands and experiences the ups and down of the temporary classrooms, but they often do not realize the how it requires teachers to alter their curriculum in order to accommodate the new space.

Many teachers have had their offices smushed together, and even the head of the science department, Dr. Wayne Winters, now resides in the old lost and found. Eric Knispel, who teaches Chemistry, made it clear that the “temporary spaces have turned out to be much nicer and more comfortable than anticipated,” but he does point out that “the biggest challenge has been looking for equipment that was packed, moved, stored, unpacked in a new space or maybe lost in the shuffle.”

Often teachers have changed their labs or activities in order to cater to the packed, lost, or even broken equipment. For instance, the smaller fume hoods have restricted some of the AP Chemistry lab periods. Many of the tools have to be carefully shoved into too-small, deteriorating cabinets in order to provide for the classes.

While many of the teachers have needed to slightly tweak their curricula, FACS teacher Carrie Madigan has had to completely reevaluate her program. Due to the relocation, Madigan was forced to eliminate cooking from this year’s FACS curriculum. She saw the move as “a chance to clean out all cabinets, closets, shelves, and boxes.” Since she has only been focusing on sewing this year, Madigan plans to teach only cooking next year, remarking that she will “be able to focus on that curriculum,” which will allow for all students to experience the full FACS experience.”

While Science Town has some disadvantages, the STAR building will feel just that more amazing when we compare it to the trailers.