The Rocklin Science Center officially opened its doors to welcome physics and chemistry students on Oct. 27 with an opening ceremony. On Oct. 30, students moved into their new science classrooms.
“I am really excited about this nice addition to our campus,” junior Anusha Shringi said. “I believe the new science building has a lot of potential for the physics and chemistry departments.”
The building is named after Roy Rocklin, a former science teacher and member of the FUHSD Board of Trustees who contributed greatly to Lynbrook’s science program. Rocklin started his teaching career at FUHSD as a chemistry and physics teacher at Lynbrook. During his time at Agilent Technology — a global corporation that delivers instruments, software and services to laboratories — Rocklin equipped analytical devices, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Immobilized Artificial Membrane Chromatography.
“Any teacher who worked with him would know that he always sought out students and had a heart for students who might have needed more support,” chemistry teacher Lester Leung said. “He had a knack for explaining complex concepts at the most basic level, using accurate analogies.”
After 10 years at Lynbrook, Rocklin decided to run for an FUHSD Board of Trustee position, assuming his seat in 2016 and serving for almost six years until he passed away from skin cancer in 2023. In honor of Rocklin’s devotion and dedication to Lynbrook’s science department and FUHSD, the new science building was later named after him.
With the approval of $275 million school bonds through the passages of Measure CC and Measure G in November 2018 and June 2022 respectively, Lynbrook began the construction of the new science building. Its modernization process included installing new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems, replacing classroom lights with LED bulbs, painting, roofing and flooring.
The Rocklin Science Building is two stories, with staircases located on both sides of the building. The classrooms on the first floor will be used for chemistry students and the physics classrooms will be located on the second floor. Although the building design was mostly modeled after Cupertino High School’s 6000 wing — the school’s new science building completed in February 2021 —Lynbrook took efforts to accommodate specific interior requests for each classroom.
“I requested them to build me something that allows me to hang heavy objects,” Taylor said. “Now, I can easily demonstrate pendulums and spring oscillations with my giant spring and bowling ball.”
Promethean smart boards were also added to all physics classrooms to enable interactive lectures and live lab demonstrations. The laboratory workspace for chemistry classes was also expanded in order to prevent common lab accidents such as spilling chemicals or breaking glassware. New fume hood storage with better ventilation were installed to provide safer and healthier chemistry classes. Some desks were also rearranged as well to foster collaboration and communication among students.
To commemorate the opening of the new science building, principal Maria Jackson, superintendent Graham Clarke, FUHSD science teachers and students, the FUHSD Board of Trustees, numerous community members and the Rocklin family gathered together in front of the new science building. After the dedication speeches for Rocklin, Clarke and Jackson revealed the building sign and cut the ribbon with Rocklin family. With snacks and candles prepared for all guests, the ceremony ended in full of gratitude and appreciation for Rocklin.
“It’s nice to have a science building that matches the caliber of our students,” Jackson said. “The Voyager facility and the life science classrooms are next. All classrooms in subjects will be upgraded over the next few years.”
Starting in summer of 2024, the school will be remodeling the interior of the 300s wing, where the old chemistry and physics classrooms were located. Each classroom’s walls will be knocked down to merge and enlarge the existing rooms.
