Hydroponic Flex Farm

We are going to grow 130 heads of lettuce in 30 days! This was the statement that had 25 6th graders looking at me like I was going crazy. Soon however, they will find out that this craziness was about to become reality. 

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. 

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. 

As a class, we brainstormed ideas on how we can better our community with this product. The students decided that we should donate the lettuce that we grow to a local food pantry. West Suburban Food Pantry! 

Below are some pictures that captures students learning, the harvesting process, and a special visit from the representative of Fork Farms which is the company that created our hydroponic flex farm.