...(its a science lab) they want the teacher to be able to isolate the sockets...
Apologies for coming over all Ban-All-Sheds here but I'm really not sure you should be messing around with electricity in a school lab.
The dangers to the students and teacher, and the massive liability that you expose yourself to should not be underestimated.
Eric makes some great points about why you should really hand this over to a qualified electrician.