Welcome to Objective Design of Experiments - Teaching practical, efficient experiment design to scientists, chemists and engineers

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The Ideal Classroom

Ceiling height should be at least 10' to accommodate a 6' x 6' screen, 4' off the floor. A room with windows is preferred.
One table is needed for each pair of attendees. Each table should measure 24" x 60" (18" is too narrow). Chairs should be cushioned. Swivel chairs are preferable. A name card (4" x 6" minimum) is needed for each attendee.

A computer is needed for each pair of students. One computer per student is preferable. Laptop computers work well.

An overhead projector is needed. Please test it: Does it focus clearly on all parts of the screen at once? There must be a spare lamp, switch activated. The lenses should be clean. Easy access to clean all lens surfaces is important. A table to support the projector should be placed at the front of the room.

Lighting should be controllable so that the screen can be in dim light and tables can be adequately lit for reading at the same time. If necessary, unscrew bulbs in the ceiling above the screen to get dim light on the screen.

One whiteboard of very good surface quality, 4' x 8' (minimum 4' x 6') is needed (with blue pens and erasers). There should be spotlights directed onto the whiteboards.

Refreshments should include sugar, caffeine (coffee, hot chocolate, and black tea) and some low-sugar, non-caffeine items, such as fruit, crackers, juices, milk (low fat or skim), herb teas and decaffeinated coffee. Water should be provided at the speaker's table and at every other table. No smoking in the classroom.

The schedule should be 9-12 for the mornings, and 1-5 for the afternoons. A later start or an earlier end can be arranged either in advance to suit the local work schedule, or when the class gathers on the first day. However, shorter days mean shorter discussions. We prefer the schedule above to allow enough time for all questions.

NOTE: Attendees should be informed of class hours, dates and location. Please ask attendees to bring a hand calculator, pencils and paper. Also, please inform them that phone calls or other messages are to be received only at break time so that the classes will proceed without interruption.