The Nauset Regional Middle School Greenhouse Learning Laboratory will provide year-round educational opportunities for students of all ages.
be a free standing, 30x50 feet, polycarbonate atrium style structure, to be built on the Nauset Middle School campus, in Orleans, Massachusetts. The Nauset Middle School serves 600 students in grades six through eight, from the Cape Cod towns of Orleans, Eastham, Brewster, Wellfleet, and Truro. In addition, students from Provincetown, Chatham, Harwich, Dennis, and Yarmouth attend NRMS through the School Choice program. The greenhouse will afford opportunities for students and community members to engage in:
•Growing agricultural and horticultural products for the Nauset Community
•Examining the physical properties of a variety of food and ornamental plants
•Conducting scientific research and experimentation
•Learning about ecologically sound growing practices
•Exploring renewable energy sources and environmental stewardship
•Connecting principles of engineering, science and entrepreneurship
•Enhancing the visual arts through gardening design, decoration and painting
•Fostering an appreciation for the uniqueness of Cape Cod plant life
A primary goal of the project is to link individuals and organizations dedicated to sustainable growing practices and energy conservation within the region to the Nauset Middle School campus via the greenhouse initiative. Preliminary outreach to these organizations indicates a high degree of interest in the project, with a pledge of support for all phases of project development including fundraising, constructing, equipping, and establishing plants in the greenhouse, and mentoring students. Many individuals with vast experience and expertise in greenhouse construction, solar energy, hydroponic growing, and organic farming have pledged their support and are eager to form collaborative, as well as consultative relationships with the staff, students and community members involved in this project.
