From Farm to Table

Since receiving our hydroponic farm, students who enter 6th grade are extremely excited to get the opportunity to run the farm themselves. 

In Science, our first unit introduces our hydroponic flex farm where we use water instead of soil to grow produce. Nutrients are added directly into the water source creating a nutrient rich environment. The produce receives 14 hours a day of sunlight from crop lights and everything is grown inside our classroom. This allows for year round growing and minimizes exposure to disease, pests, and other damages from the environment. Students become fully responsible for the planting, growing, and harvesting process. 

In this unit, students have learned about organic farming, experimented with lettuce seeds of their own - focusing on growing environments, benefits of hydroponic farming, and jobs in the field of agriculture. Students also participated in the process of planting the lettuce seeds, finding out nutrient levels, balancing pH levels, and harvesting the lettuce. Although the unit is over, we still have the farm up and running throughout the year. 

With our first harvest of the year, we donated all of the fresh produce to our local food pantry. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students take part in service that directly benefits their community. 

For our second harvest, we enjoyed a healthy, salad lunch. For some students, this was their first time trying lettuce and they really enjoyed it! This was a fun way to celebrate their accomplishments while promoting healthy eating.