Biology is a required subject. Marine biology and Environmental Studies is an elective advanced field science course.
I try to motivate students by engaging with the world about them.
Some have never even looked around the outside world!
They love getting outside and are generally excited about learning science and the natural world we live in. Students are more motivated when I combine hands-on science learning and apply to real-world concepts. I love place-based learning and STEM projects to get them engaged.
My Project
The AquaSprouts Garden is a self-sustaining aquarium & aquaponics kit and would make a great addition to our science classroom.
It's not magic - it's nature!
Aquaponics employs the same principles as the natural world. Imagine having a living ecosystem to grow, learn and discover.
Fish fertilize the plants. Plants clean the water for the fish. Aquaponics involves breaking down toxic ammonia and turning it into nutritious plant food called nitrates using two types of nitrifying bacteria. When fish produce ammonia (fish pee) it creates a certain type of bacteria. These bacteria convert the ammonia into nitrites – a compound even more toxic than ammonia. Thankfully, however, nitrites attract another type of bacteria who then convert the nitrites into nitrates – excellent food for plants, and mostly harmless to fish.
Once this has happened the aquaponic cycle is complete and, once stabilized, will ensure ammonia levels are kept at a minimum while providing maximum nutrition for the plants.
This would be an amazing tool to have as we embark in learning about the nitrogen cycle.
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