My students need hydroponics systems to provide hands-on examples for science, with self-contained grow systems and Ph kit that allows them to do chemical tests.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Wodtke's classroom raised $590
This project is fully funded
My Students
Our typical day in the classroom incorporates plenty of experimentation and hands-on activity. But much of our science curriculum is done with online virtual experiments which is a challenge for some of the students. I would like to give them more real-world examples of how to use science.
Our school is in a small village in an isolated part of rural Alaska.
We are accessible only by plane or boat. The school has the highest level of financial poverty with everyone qualifying for free lunch.
My students are energetic and enthusiastic about working on real-world problem-solving. The culture has a long history of living by subsistence practices in a harsh sub-arctic environment. There is a strong collaborative bond in the village and a welcoming openness to outsiders.
At the same time there is a challenge to students who would like to go to college and see more of the world because of the high degree of isolation. Many of the people live outside of the cash economy and I think they will really benefit from a knowledge of hydroponics.
My Project
My students will use the hydroponic systems to learn a wide variety of skills in an integrated STEM environment including Biology, Math, Engineering, Technology and Chemistry by setting up a grow system, fertilizing regularly and monitoring the Ph and growth cycles of the plants.
There are very few gardens in the area due to the long winters and there are as yet no greenhouses. So this experience is crucial to introducing ideas about agriculture and other forms of self-sufficiency to the community.
Not only will students learn from the science curriculum, but these growing systems will enhance the classroom environment.
I have seen examples of high poverty classrooms that were greatly improved by growing vegetables in the classroom.
Absenteeism could be greatly reduced and engagement improved. An added bonus will be to supply the kitchen with fresh vegetables to improve the lunch program which also feeds many of the elders of the village.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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