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Few people from Southeast Kansas will get the chance to travel to a distant place like a tropical rainforest. We also realize the value of teaching the importance of the tropical rainforests as they pertain to our everyday lives and to the world. Greenbush built their own Simulated Rainforest and that is how we're bringing educational experiences to students and teachers!
As part of the Rainforest learning experiences/labs students spend time in the Simulated Rainforest to marvel at the beauty and diversity of the plants and animals of this biome. During their experience, students identify plants of the tropical Rainforest, place animals such as a tarantula, hissing cockroaches, and millipedes, within the different layers, and even determine how much sun light reaches the forest floor.
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The climate of both our Rainforest and the Production Greenhouse are computer manipulated to maintain a steady year-round temperature as well as relatively high humidity levels. This is achieved through a state of the art climate control system called the Q-COM. The Q-COM allows temperature and humidity levels to be monitored every 30 seconds. The information comes from sensor probes located in both greenhouses, as well as an external weather station. The sensors relay the information to the main computer at which point pre-set electronic changes occur. This enables us to maintain a Rainforest climate of 82 degrees F and a humidity level of 92% year-round. Humidity levels are maintained at a constant 92% by an advanced micro fog system which ramps humidity levels every hour on the hour 365 days a year.
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| Automatic roof vents and louvers, as well as shade cloths have been installed to help reduce heat build-up during the summer months. This system of louvers, vents and shade cloths also benefit the structure in the winter months by holding in the heat, providing steady temperatures no matter what the season! |
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