Lesson Title: Passive Solar and Greenhouse Gardening Topic The definition of passive solar, how passive solar

adaptations can be made for greenhouses, and the benefits to using passive solar adaptations in high alpine environments Objectives Interns will demonstrate knowledge of basic passive solar concepts Interns will observe passive solar adaptations for greenhouses Interns will demonstrate the ability to use passive solar adaptations for greenhouse growing Required Materials Recycled plastic gallon jugs painted black Photographs of various greenhouses that have differing structure types Passive solar fact sheet A few thermometers to measure air temperature Introduction What are the main challenges to growing in a greenhouse in high alpine environments? (Low humidity, short growing seasons, colder temperatures) What are some ways we can combat the extreme growing climate? (increase temperature, add water features, shade in extreme sun and heat) Does anyone know what the term passive solar design means? (the term refers to the use of the sun for heating and/or cooling) Does anyone know what thermal mass is? (it refers to materials like masonry and water that can hold heat for large amounts of time) How can these concepts begin to inform ways we grow food in these high alpine greenhouses? (the use of passive solar ideas can increase growing season and yield, if used correctly) Sequenced Activities /Tasks Introduction (10-15 minutes) Distribute research guide and discuss passive solar concepts (20-25 minutes) Following the discussion of passive solar design for greenhouses, an experiment will be conducted. This experiment will occur throughout the day. Students will place painted jugs against the northern half of the greenhouse and a thermometer will be placed near the center of this half. The southern half of the greenhouse will remain as is, but a thermometer will also be placed centrally to this half of the greenhouse. The students will record temperatures at the beginning of the day, at mid-day, and in the evening at closing. The group will come together at the end of the day to discuss their findings. (experiment occurs over 12 hour period, but explanation of lesson, set up and recording of findings will take aprox. 20 minutes) Group will reconvene at the end of the day to discuss findings and how passive solar systems can inform greenhouse growing. (aprox. 15 minutes)

Closing At the close of the work day, data from the lesson will be discussed and reviewed. Concepts about passive solar and thermal mass will be reaffirmed with a brief question and answer session. In addition, a discussion will be encouraged about the possibility of using passive solar system in the current greenhouses, and what would be the best way to do so. Also included in the discussion, would be possibilities for projects that incorporate passive solar systems. Adaptations ESL: Translation of words and translation of passive solar fact sheet, use of pictures, audio, technology, peer helpers etc. Advanced: Further exploration of ideas pertaining to passive solar can be incorporated. These could include discussions on active solar systems (systems that circulate solar heat) and building structure and its effect on passive solar systems.