William L. Abernathy Science Education Center

The Science Education Center was constructed with the mission of increasing student interest and achievement in the areas of science and math. This goal is being achieved through staff development, exciting student and community programs, and through Interactive Distance Learning (IDL).

The rain forest and production greenhouses are equipped with the Q-COM Greenhouse System that monitors outdoor conditions and the ambient conditions vital to plants and controlled experiments. This system regulates temperature, fog systems and shading systems that will assist in the regulation of temperature. It also prevents overexposure to the sun for many of the tropical plants. In addition to the Q-COM system, each greenhouse is equipped with IDL technology linking 11 school districts, the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center and Pittsburg State University.