Summer 2018 brought about an exciting new addition to the Hall, the John G. Noppinger, Jr. ’64 and Lucy G. Hagopian Center for Growth in the Sciences, AKA “the Greenhouse.” The Greenhouse, according to Mr. Charles Motsay '76, CHC Science Department Teacher, “began as a discussion among the science teachers who were envisioning ways in which the biology, environmental, marine science, and earth science programs could move beyond the classroom.”
Summer 2018 brought about an exciting new addition to the Hall, the John G. Noppinger, Jr. ’64 and Lucy G. Hagopian Center for Growth in the Sciences, AKA “the Greenhouse.” The Greenhouse, according to Mr. Charles Motsay '76, CHC Science Department Teacher, “began as a discussion among the science teachers who were envisioning ways in which the biology, environmental, marine science, and earth science programs could move beyond the classroom.”
It is an ideal place for Calvert Hall students to move beyond the classroom and gain hands-on experiences with horticulture. Students are able to examine different plant species and experiment with varying growing conditions.
Mr. Motsay, the Campus Greenhouse Manager, plays a large role in managing the new facility. Before school and during his free periods he oversees the general maintenance, plants seeds and seedlings, introduces new plants, cares for the plants, and works with the National Honor Society students who have volunteered to help in the Greenhouse. Students in the classes of Mrs. Urban, Mrs. Bondyra, and Mrs. Warren are growing beans, carrots, lettuce, and grasses in the Greenhouse as part of lab experiments.
“I am very excited about the possibilities of learning for the students,” said Mrs. Warren. She added, “In science we are already using it to experiment with different variables of plant germination and growth. The AP Environmental Science classes are using it to calculate net primary productivity of land by extrapolating from a small plot to a larger area.”
Ben Archacki ’19 has already had experience using the Greenhouse in his AP Envi-Sci class. He commented, “The Greenhouse is a really cool addition to the science department. My class has already done a lab in the new Greenhouse. It will allow for fun science labs for years to come. It’s a very nice facility.” William Prestwich ’19 agrees. “The Greenhouse adds to the classroom experience because it enhances labs.”
Students are currently working on lab experiments and assigned projects in the Greenhouse. Mr. Motsay noted that eventually we may start a botany course or Horticulture Club to further utilize the new space.
“I hope the students gain experience in working with dirt, water, sunlight, and plants”, commented Mrs. Warren. She added, “We study photosynthesis in biology, but having the hands-on experience with how autotrophs/producers work will be invaluable.”