Science Report
12/30/2012
Amy Jungmin Seo
The goal for my study is to see the effects of active horticultural activity on the stress level of crews in an isolated and confined habitat. Previously done studies have shown that horticultural activities, or being around natural elements, may help reduce stress. Due to the limited amount of resources available in the habitat, utilizing the GreenHab as a way to control stress would be an applicable solution. The plants we brought in were mint, oregano, rosemary, parsley, thyme, and basil. The plants were individually wrapped and transferred to the habitat, and upon arrival, they were unwrapped and placed in the greenhouse. When we entered the GreenHab, we noticed a strong smell of propane gas. The greenhouse is divided into two sections, and the heater is only installed in one side of the greenhouse. The plants were placed in the other side, and heated air did not circulate through the whole GreenHab. Therefore, when we entered the GreenHab this morning, we noticed that the plants had frozen. The solution to this problem was moving the plants closer to the heater and placing them towards the sunlight. Today’s horticultural activity focused on revitalization of the plants. Prior to the experiment, blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Then, the crews were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. The selection was done by drawing out of a hat. The control group stayed inside the habitat during the activity time, and the experimental group was directed out to the GreenHab at 9:45 am. The horticultural activity included watering the plants, removing dead leaves, placing labels in the soil, etc. The activity lasted for an hour, and the experimental group was directed back to the habitat. Blood pressure and heart rate were re-measured to see the changes before and after the activity.