Water Water Everywhere

We had some excitement in the remodeled biology lab this past week. Students had been working on a microbiology lab for almost two weeks. One of the basic procedures involved sterilizing an innoculation wire with a gas flame from a Meeker Burner. Unfortunately the fire control system used sprinklers installed directly over the lab tables at about a height of about ten feet (three meters). You guessed it- a sprinkler discharged during the last period of the day. The water sprayed over students, five computers and sundry books and clothing. By the time it was two inches (five centimeters) deep in the hallway, twenty plus gallons had gone through the floor into the technology computer lab immediately below the biology room. Luckily the teacher saw it coming and moved about ten computers out of the line of fire. Classes were back to normal the next day.
The fire department was a big help with controlling the water spray and replacing the discharged sprinkler head. They also pointed out that the sprinklers in the science labs appeared to be residential sprinkler heads. They have a temperature release rating of about 130 degrees fahrenheit (55 celsius). Much too low for a lab setting. Nothing like taking the lowest bidder on a construction job.
I also discovered this week that I will be having some major changes in my teaching schedule next year, I will be teaching a basic reading class using science as the conduit. To do that, I have to give something up. Right now it appears to be my two college placement nine classes. Then I will also pick up something else to replace the second cp nine class.