A new greenhouse is opening at Mini University, the Wright State University Child Development Center found on campus. The greenhouse ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on September 13th at 10:30 am lead by Dr. David Hopkins and Ohio Senator Chris Widener as they help Mini University celebrate their 25th anniversary. Mini University provides care and education for kids ranging from six weeks to twelve years and various associations have accredited this well-established center.
The greenhouse is one facility that should further Mini University’s mission of providing “the best working environment for staff so they can provide the highest quality accredited early childhood programs for children”. Director Kim Kramer has many hopes for the new greenhouse. She wants the children to develop “an appreciation for life cycles and the ability to use our natural resources for sustainability.” She also mentioned another benefit: the children will be able to grow their own fruits and vegetables and learn about healthy eating habits. This experience may help the children make better food choices in the future.
Among these numerous benefits exist the less obvious. The greenhouse will provide a place to learn about the planet, and it will offer… Continued on page 5. Continued from page 3. …a conversation starter for many environmental lessons on maintaining a healthy planet. Also, the location of the greenhouse, in the courtyard of Mini University, will eliminate the need for transportation to visit other similar facilities.
The construction of this greenhouse truly was a community effort. A group of volunteers, consisting of Wright State staff, faculty, students as well as Mini University parents, donated their time and energy while they worked alongside the architect, Patrick Hansford, to create this facility. Growing Spaces designed the new structure. The building has several self-sustaining features like solar powered heating and cooling fans along with 5-wall polycarbonate glazing panels in order to sustain proper temperatures. Even the dome shape will reduce the amount of energy need to keep the building cooler or warmer depending on the season.
For the 495 children Mini University currently serves, this building will be a welcome addition and valuable asset in the education of young minds. As the teachers and students take advantage of this new tool, its intrinsic value will become more apparent. While the fruits and vegetables grow, the teachers of Mini University will allow a greater appreciation for plant life and sustainability to grow in the minds of their young students.
