By Goutham Seshadri '03

As ground breaking for the new Science, Math and Technology Center comes closer, the administratin has decided to use modules for science classrooms while the old Boyden Science Center is being torn down, and the new SMT Center is built. Although many of the details are still being settled, Dean of Faculty Richard Bonanno said, "The cost of the modules is roughly $1,000,000."

The modules are highly configurable rooms that can be combined to form a larger, combined facility. Slated for deployment when construction of the SMT Center begins in 2002, the modules will be placed in Chapin Field, behind John Louis dormitory. Andy Harcourt, chair of the science department, said, "When complete, [the modules] will look like a one-story building from the outside." He also added that when needed, "they will be deployed in a matter of months."

The arrangement and number of these modules is still unclear. One possible configuration is a star shaped building, where separate "shoots" containing halls and classrooms for biology, chemistry, and physics would branch out from a central hub. Another potential arrangement is a rectangular building with a central courtyard.

"The modules will contain state-of-the-art electronics and more than adequate teaching space," said Mr. Harcourt. In addition, the interim building will contain a section where students can study. Headmaster Eric Widmer said that its location will be more convenient for the science faculty who live near Chapin Field.

Final adjustments to the module plan are still likely to occur. In recent weeks, various members of the administration have looked at modules set up at other schools and, as a result, have already refined the plan. Upon completion of the new SMT Center arrangements will be made for another school to acquire the modules. Deployment of the modules is dependent on the approval for the SMT Center construciotn. Once this is given, more details regarding the modules will be worked out.

As published in the April 17, 2002 issue of the Deerfield Scroll, the monthly newspaper of Deerfield Academy.