High School - Easy Hydroponics - KidsCom.com

DRAFT 1 Lesson Title: Easy Hydroponics Grade Level: 9-12 Subject Area: Science – Biology/Chemistry Setting: Classroom or Greenhouse if available Instructional Time: Several Class Periods Grade Level Expectation (s): B1.1A Generate new questions that can be investigated in the laboratory or field. B1.1B Evaluate the uncertainties or validity of scientific conclusions using an understanding of sources of measurement error, the challenges of controlling variables, accuracy of data analysis, logic of argument, logic of experimental design, and/or the dependence on underlying assumptions. B2.3B Describe how the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment is required for the continuation of life. B2.3C Explain how stability is challenged by changing physical, chemical, and environmental conditions as well as the presence of disease agents. B2.5C Describe how energy is transferred and transformed from the Sun to energy-rich molecules during photosynthesis. B3.1A Describe how organisms acquire energy directly or indirectly from sunlight. B3.1B Illustrate and describe the energy conversions that occur during photosynthesis and respiration.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires William Arthur Ward As a powerful science instructor, you want to teach this lesson because  Green is not a fad; it is now, and it is the future.  Future gardens will have to work hard to produce an abundance of food in a limited amount of space.  This lesson is about practical application and problem solving.  Though the initial set up takes some time, students will grow to own this experience and help you find ways to keep it evolving.  As students learn to self-educate, they will have a clearer understanding of their own intelligence.  You want to inspire. 3 MNN Behavioral Outcome (USDA Guidance on Apple Sheet): Eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products every day. SNAP-Ed Core Nutrition Messages: Fuel up with fruits and veggies. Eat smart. © 2009 MSU Extension, Children, Youth, Families & Communities, Michigan Nutrition Network DRAFT -School Garden Nutrition Education

Goal: The goal of this lesson is teach students how to grow their own vegetables (specifically tomatoes) easily and affordably while reinforcing concepts in plant biology and chemistry. Learning Objectives: The students will… 1. Learn to mix fertilizer solutions to specific recommendations. 2. Explore plant biology physiology, nutrition, and pest management. 3. Make connections between eating fresh vegetables and growing produce within limited space requirements. Background Easy Hydroponic System:  Wall paper tray sits on an angle inside the eighteen-gallon tub  Pump sits in bottom of tub and sends water through hose to top of wall paper tray  Holes punched into the wallpaper tray at lowest point allow water to drain into tub  Aerator is not needed because the moving and dropping water adds oxygen to the water  Each person, in a three or four person group, can add a plant in a 4” rockwool plug to the tray

Vocabulary Hydroponics – rockwool, plugs, fertilizer solution, aerator, conditioning, bloom Pollination Photosynthesis Advanced Preparation  Order/Purchase supplies from greenhouse grower supply companies  Make copies of student journal Supplies   

Copies of student journals MyPyramid poster. http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/educators.html (Teacher note: MyPyramid for Kids is for children 6-11 years. If the majority of your class is over 11years of age use the adult MyPyramid.) Disposable Supplies ($20):  Rockwool Conditioning Solution  Grow Fertilizer  Bloom Fertilizer  1” and 4” Rockwool Plugs  Seeds

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Equipment ($40):  Wall paper tray  18 Gallon Tub  Small Pump  2 ½’ Hose  Power Strip (only 1 needed for class)

Safety Notes Check with students to make sure there aren’t any food allergies Ensure proper food sanitation and safety items are addressed during food preparation Procedures Step 1 Begin the class by bringing in hothouse tomatoes that have been grown hydroponically (if practical). Review MyPyramid with students and discuss the availablilty of fresh foods for each food group in Michigan. Our growing season is short, thus we have made adaptations to grow items throughout the year using many techniques. Explain that the class will begin to use hydroponics. Ask students if they know what the term “hydroponics” means? Discuss. Step 2 Introduce the concept of hydroponics and the hydroponic tomato industry. (See the Hydroponic Tomato Industry PowerPoint).

Step 3 1. Students start the hydroponic project by conditioning the 1” rockwool plugs overnight in rockwool conditioning solution 2. Students calculate proper amount of solution needed per gallon of water added to the conditioning tray 3. Next day, the students insert seeds into each 1” rockwool plugs and place the plugs in a tray that sits on the heating pad under the grow light in the classroom 4. After germination, the students calculate the percent germination of the seeds to analyze the quality of the seeds 5. As the plants continue to grow, the students assemble the Easy Hydroponic Systems in the greenhouse 6. When the roots of the plants extend out of the plugs, the students insert the 1” plugs into the 4” plugs that have been conditioned 7. The plants are then put into the Easy Hydroponic Systems 8. Students support the plants with strings attached to the beams in the greenhouse and change the water in the system every two weeks 9. Each group is also responsible for fertilizing their plants with grow fertilizer and then switching to bloom fertilizer 10. The students need to calculate the amount of fertilizer needed for the quantity of water in their tubs

11. As the plants continue to grow and blossom, the students study plant physiology, plant nutrition, and pest management 12. Be sure to have students show off their systems & produce with their fellow classmates, teachers and administrators

Step 4 Incorporate plant biology lessons in physiology, nutrition, pest management as the plants grow. Assessment Students can be assessed based on their attentiveness according to plant growth and journal completion (which could be done every day, every other day, or weekly). Plant Growth:  Plant maintenance (water solution is changed every 2 weeks and plants are strung up as growth progress)  Plant production (number of clusters, leaf growth, root health)  Plant health (plants do not exhibit signs of wilt, disease, etc.) Journal Completion:  Neatness (5 points), Completion (5 points), Ability to make connection to Class Concepts (10 points) Student Page Hydroponic Observation Journal Name: ___________________________________

Day 1: Actual Date:__________________

Day 2: Actual Date:__________________

What did I do today:


Why did I do what I did:


What happened with my tomato plants today?


How does what I did and observed relate to what I have learned in class?


Day 3: Actual Date:__________________

Day 4: Actual Date:__________________









Extension Ideas  Incorporate lessons in plant biology, physiology, nutrition, pest management and general plant science  Add in experimentation by varying the levels of fertilizers incorporating chemistry concepts in the experiments or other variables (lighting, temperature, humidity)  Develop a marketing plan for the hydroponic tomatoes produced  Have students create sales presentations for the hydroponic tomatoes including the nutritional value of tomatoes Supporting Resources Teacher Resources Hydroponic Tomatoes - http://ag.arizona.edu/hydroponictomatoes/ Greenhouse Grower Supplies: Crop King - http://www.cropking.com/ Grower Supply - http://www.growerssupply.com/ The ReUseIt Network http://www.reuseitnetwork.org/ The ReUseIt Network helps get things from people who have them but don't want them to people who want them but don't have them. This is a great place to find supplies for no cost!