The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-06-27
MINIATURE MODEL SCHOOLHOUSE
BUILT BY AUBURN STUDENTS

Montgomery, June Especial "a
miniature model schoolhouse. built by
the students of the Alabama Polytech-
mic institute, after the plans and spect-
fcations of the state educational de-
partment. has been sent to Superintend-
emit Henry j. willingham and is on
exhibition in that officials department.
The model schoolhouse is intended to
show what plans should be followed
in the erection of school buildings, and
conforms in every detail to the sug-
gestions of the department of educa-
tIon. The model schoolhouse, as con-
structed by the students of the Ala
bama Polytechnic institute, measures
about three feet in front by about one
and one-half feet on the sides, with
two entrances on the side of the class
room, each leading into cloak rooms,
as we'll as into the school room. At
the rear of the class room there is
a room intended for the library and
one intended for an office or cloak
room.
A series of windows, stretching
nearly across the building, are in front
of the school room, intended to give
ample light and ventilation for the
students.
The miniature school building will
be Kept on exhibition in the offices
of the department OF education for the
purpose OF allowing anyone to inspect
it who is interested In erecting school
house.
Inc following suggestions are made by
Superintendent Willingham to the con-
ho 10 INT ed in Ha
tion of school building, the suggestions
being in accordance with the plans and
specifications approved by the department
OF education:
In order to safeguard the health of the
child which should really be our first
care. we have requested the architect to
work out lighting and ventilation with
great care. Therefore, the plans as to
the size. number and location of the win
dows should not be changed. There are
hygienic reasons for keeping the plan
Just as 1t is.
For instance the windows are placed
all on one side of the room or at most on
two sides so that the light may enter
over the left shoulder of the pupil. This
is because light from the right side causes
the pupils hand to throw disturbing
shadows on his work while writing.
Light should never be admitted at the
front of the room because the light COM
ing directly into the eyes, causes con-
ficting adjustment of the pupil of the
eye. resulting in eyestrain headache. and
general fatigue.
The windows are placed 3iz feet above
the floor and extend to the ceiling because
the great body of light from the sky
comes downward at an angle of about IS
degrees and in that way 1t will fall
farther across the room.
Wherever possible, the buildings should
be so placed that the light will enter the
majority of the rooms from the east or
the west. This is because south light is
too strong and direct.
Windows should be placed as close
together as it is possible to construct
them to avoid cross shadows within the
rooms
The ventilation ducts for foul air
exit should be constructed and covered
with wire screens and used in con-
nection with jacketed stoves with fresh
air duct for bringing air from the out
side of the building and to allow the
vitiated air to escape through the vent
fue.
1t Is not considered best to provide
platform for the teacher, not to put