The Importance of Hydroponics for Youth
Having been engaged in hydroponic gardening since a young age myself, I know first hand how exciting it can be for students to be involved with this science-based, fun activity.
Hydroponics, a type of horticulture, is a method of growing plants, usually crops, without soil. In this system, nutrients enrich the water and the root system is supported by a medium. This system has been introduced within the last century, but is now being used more frequently in the classroom.
When students grow plants hydroponically, they get hands-on experience to understand healthy plant growth. Allowing students to work with hydroponic gardens lets them explore foundational engineering and design principles. Hydroponic activities not only bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts to the students, they also bring art and creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
Students will ask many questions about how they keep the plants alive without soil, how big their plants can grow to get more food, how to get the water to move in every direction, or even how to share this with others. They will get excited at every step: from germination, to nutrition management, to harvesting. These curiosities will engage students and make them more involved in experimentation, problem-solving, and self-growth.
The best part? The food at the end! Students will be enamored with an opportunity that allows them to grow their own food: basil, chard, lettuce, tomatoes, and much more can all easily be grown in a system.
It’s not just for fun.
Food justice is incredibly important. In the United States, 23.5 million people live in food deserts, as of 2010. This is defined as geographic areas where access to affordable, healthy food options limited because grocery stores are further than a walking distance away. When people live in these areas, they are more inclined to get meals from fast-food restaurants and are also more likely to develop diabetes.
As these circumstances get direr, it is incredibly important that we teach children about the importance of nutritional diets and also how to engage with their food habits. Growing their own food makes a student more inclined to try new fresh fruits and vegetables.
By working to promote local foods, hydroponic programs and lessons cultivate sustainable, solution-orientated mindsets with students. It is a fantastic, engaging, and innovative way to teach students in a multidisciplinary method.
