North Cumberland Elementary recently welcomed a brand-new greenhouse facility.
The greenhouse, a long-awaited addition to the school’s agricultural education program, is expected to provide hands-on learning opportunities to enrich students’ understanding of plant science, sustainability and farm-to-table concepts.
From kindergarteners to middle schoolers, students have been buzzing with anticipation as they watch the final preparations unfold.
“I can’t wait to start planting!” an NCE seventh grader said.
The greenhouse project has been in the works for several months, supported by grant funding through the Innovative Schools Model that was awarded to Cumberland County CTE programs.
The greenhouse is designed to serve as an outdoor classroom. The facility will allow students to experience the full growing cycle — from planting seeds to harvesting crops.
North Cumberland plans to incorporate the greenhouse into various subjects, linking STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) learning to real-world agricultural practices.
More than just a space for growing plants, the greenhouse is a state-of-the-art STEAM learning facility, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into agricultural education.
Equipped with a cutting-edge FarmBot, an automated precision farming system, students will explore the intersection of robotics and agriculture. The FarmBot will allow them to program and monitor plant growth using advanced technology, giving them hands-on experience with coding, engineering and data analysis.
This innovative tool will help students understand how automation is transforming modern farming and sustainability practices.
“This is a game-changer for my students,” said Ashton Hayes, NCE agriscience teacher.
“They will gain firsthand experience with plant growth, sustainability and even business skills as they learn about managing and selling their produce in May at the Spring Sale.”
The greenhouse will also help foster a deeper appreciation for agriculture and hard work among students, many of whom come from farming families.
As the final touches are put into place, the excitement continues to grow — just like the plants that will soon fill the greenhouse.
With this new facility, North Cumberland Elementary is sowing the seeds for a future generation of agricultural leaders and environmentally conscious citizens.