Make your own food at limited space

1. Introduction of the topic 

 Make presentation or show the class a video about hydroponics 

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, where the plant roots are placed in a nutrient-rich solution instead. This solution is carefully balanced to provide all the necessary nutrients, minerals, and water that the plants need to grow. The roots are often supported by a material such as rockwool or perlite. 

One of the main benefits of hydroponic farming is that it requires less space and resources than traditional farming methods. Because the plants are grown in a controlled environment, there is no need for pesticides or herbicides, and the water and nutrients can be reused, reducing waste. Hydroponic farming also allows for year-round growing and can produce higher yields per square foot than traditional farming. 

Additionally, hydroponics can be used to grow plants in areas where soil is not suitable for cultivation, such as deserts or urban environments. This makes it possible to grow fresh produce locally, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and the associated carbon emissions. 

Overall, hydroponic farming is a sustainable and efficient way of growing plants that can help address food security and environmental challenges. 

Resources for teachers 

• Video presenting hydroponics in an understandable manner, its advantages and disadvantages.
• Examples of different homemade hydroponic systems that students can draw inspiration from.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLEVQw-bHhc
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS4l7Hekp1Y
• Tips for crops that you can easily grow in a hydroponic system.

2. Implementation

Find out to what extent students are familiar with the issue and whether any of them grow plants hydroponically at home. Specify the content of the activity and what outputs you expect. Adjust the content and outputs according to your situation and the selected optional activities. 

The basic activity is the preparation of a hydroponic system. Depending on the age and maturity of the students, we will provide the material in advance, or the students can obtain it themselves.

Using a drill, five holes will be cut into a sewage HT pipe at a sufficient distance from each other. The students will close one end of the pipe with a plug, and the other end will be closed with an upward-facing knee. Fertilizer and water will be added through this knee later.

The following steps depend on where the system will be placed. If it will be directly in the school, we will proceed to plant the plants. If it will be chosen for sale to the community, it is possible to continue preparing containers with plants, but the plants will not be placed in the hydroponic system.

Placement in school:

Using two loops of rope on opposite sides of the pipe, we will secure the hydroponics in a horizontal position and fill the pipe halfway up its height with water mixed with hydroponic fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. (It is possible to mix your own fertilizer in BIO quality, which develops awareness of plant biology and chemistry.) We will insert containers with plants into the drilled holes. It is ideal to use empty snack packages, such as yogurt cups, with enough holes made in them. This will show students the possibilities of using plastic waste. We will place a roll of mineral wool in the containers and plant leafy vegetable seeds into it. Remember the light requirements of plants and adjust the choice of seeds according to the future location of the hydroponic system. Also consider holidays and breaks. An advantage of hydroponic cultivation is that plants can grow for extended periods without human intervention, but this time is not unlimited. Therefore, it is ideal to plant crops such as strawberries or lettuce.

Offer to the community:

It is possible to offer the system as a gift or offer it for sale to parents and the community around the school. If we choose this option, we will support neighborhood relationships, expand awareness of hydroponics, and allow students to gain marketing experience. It is possible to link it to ICT skills and, in appropriate classes, to process promotional and informational materials.

The best option is to organize a mass sale. In this case, it is suitable to pre-grow seedlings in advance.

3. Reflexion

After successful implementation, it is important to evaluate the individual parts and activities as a whole.

• Discuss the project results with the students.
• What new information and skills have you acquired?
• To what extent do you perceive the activity as beneficial?
• What went well in your group?
• What difficulties did you experience in your group?
• What can we, as activity organizers, do better next time?
• Do you perceive hydroponics differently now than at the beginning?
• What are the advantages of growing your own greens, even in a small space?
• How can hydroponics help address soil degradation issues?
• To what extent can growing your own vegetables help reduce food waste?

It is possible to create a test containing information about hydroponics using apps like Kahoot, Quizlet, Quizis, LearningApps, etc. and have students fill out this test before the activity begins and again at its end.

4. Presentation

It is possible to allocate a group that will be responsible for the photo and video documentation of the project and will present their work to others at the end. Another option is that members of all groups will take this documentation. These presentations can be used on the school website to promote sustainable management and the school itself.