PROBLEM 91

SELECTING THE PUPIL EQUIPMENT FOR
CLASSROOMS

Problem: Superintendent Winston of Hopeville, N. K., is confronted with the problem of selecting the pupil equipment for each of three new schools: an elementary school, a junior high school, and a senior high school. Many samples of desks and chairs have been submitted for consideration and many salesmen have been given the opportunity of displaying and discussing their offerings in classroom equipment. On what bases, in your opinion, should the final decisions be made in the choice of equipment?

Reproductions of the samples submitted are shown on the following pages, together with a descriptive statement of the outstanding characteristics of each piece of equipment as presented by the salesmen.

Illustration 1 represents an adjustable combination fixed seat and desk. Illustration 2 shows an adjustable box desk with a separate adjustable seat both fastened to the floor. Illustration 3 represents a non-adjustable fixed desk. Illustration 4 represents a movable type of combination desk and chair. Illustration 5 represents a combination movable deskchair. Illustration 6 shows a box desk and chair both attached to the floor. Illustration 7 pictures a combination seat and desk, non-adjustable and fixed to the floor. Illustration 8 represents a non-adjustable combination desk. Illustration 9 shows a combination desk with an extended arm. Illustration 10 shows a pedestal combination box desk and chair. Illustrations 11 and 12 show tablet-arm chairs, one movable and the other of the fixed type. Illustration 13 represents an adjustable combination movable desk-chair; and Illustration 14 is a separate pedestal desk and chair, adjustable and fixed to the floor.

ILLUSTRATION 1

This is a desk that admirably serves the purpose where fixed seating is required or desired.

It has the universal adjustment, that is, vertical and horizontal in one operation. It is adjusted merely by loosening the set bolt, when the desk may be raised or lowered to the desired height. There is no "play" in the joint when locked. The seat and back are shaped to conform hygienically to the human figure, and afford maximum amount of comfort. It is easy to keep clean. There are no grooves, channels, nor openings where dust can collect.

The large base insures permanent fastening to the floor. The attachment surfaces for top and seat are also larger than that used on other single pedestal desks.

The wood parts are all of selected birch, thoroughly seasoned and kiln dried; brackets of unbreakable malleable steel.

The other desk shown has top particularly designed for study, curved veneer back, and saddle seat.

Freedom from disturbance makes for efficiency of pupils using this separate desk and chair set. It is available in three sizes, adjustable; and six sizes, non-adjustable. The maximum economy with the minimum need for attention result from placing 80 per cent non-adjustable and 20 per cent adjustable in each room. The book boxes may be lifting lid or open front.

Desk standards are angular steel with units riveted. The adjustment consists of a vise-like clamp which cannot break or get out of order. The chair base is all steel with very broad base. All screw holes are ribbed and embossed so screws cannot tear through. The adjustment is on a wedge principle, which is automatic in lowering.

The chair is modern correct posture type with cross slats supported by steel pillars and seat of heavy shaped birch plank.

This set is also supplied with settee seat.

The above is probably the most widely used type of fixed desk. The sanitary cast metal standards are made rigid and furnish the pupil a writing surface of close-grained hard maple which is positive for position.

Finished in a brown stain and with a flat varnish which gives a dead flat effect.

The desk top, book-box, seat and back are the same as in the box desk and chair described on page 564, including height adjustment and swivel features. Every detail of design is the result of extended research and experiment in the field of postural hygiene and educational practices by leading specialists. Neither traditional guesses nor radical fads have dictated any factor in these desks. Materials and finish are the same as in the box desk and chair except that the frame is of heavy gauge seamless steel tubing electrically welded into a single self-contained unit of maximum strength, rigidity and lightness. The large floor base, low distribution of weight, and milled steel gliders insure a stability and ease of movement not attained in other types of movables. Made in three sizes, adapted in adjustment range and all dimensions to primary, intermediate, and high school grades. Lifting-lid box or study-top without box. Embodies in every detail the highest ideals of materials, construction and design. Used in hundreds of schools where the highest standards of hygiene, educational efficiency and refinement of equipment prevail. This is believed to be the best school desk ever made and guarantees satisfaction in every detail.