The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Vertical Farming

Vertical Farming

A 3rd-5th grade STEM lesson

Jane May E. Cruz

Jan 31, 2023

Notes for teachers

• This activity can be done inside or outside the classroom.
• Activity can be done in small groups (3-4 students).
• Alternative ways of building should be accepted.
• Finished product should be functioning.

List of Materials

• 4 pcs 4" PVC pipe each 4ft
• heat gun
• water bucket with lid
• submersible pump
• drip emitters
• emitter tubing
• small pebbles (vase fillers) it could also be rocks, coco fibers, floral foam, sand, etc.
• plastic net cups 2 in or 3 in (can be small plastic cups with holes on the sides)
• vegetable seeds (Example)
• Hydroponics nutrient solution

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AZ Science Standards

Science Standards:

3.E1U1.4

Construct an explanation describing how the Sun is the primary source of energy impacting Earth systems.

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3.L2U1.7

Develop and use system models to describe the flow of energy from the Sun to and among living organisms.

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Science and Engineering Practices:

• ask questions and define problems

● develop and use models

● plan and carry out investigations

● analyze and interpret data

● use mathematics and computational thinking

● construct explanations and design solutions

● engage in argument from evidence

● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information

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Core Ideas:

P4: The total amount of energy in a closed system is always the same but can be transferred from one energy store to another during an event.

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U2: The knowledge produced by science is used in engineering and technologies to solve problems and/or create products.

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Objectives:

Today we will explain how we can efficiently reproduce plants in an alternative way.

Today students will be able to design and engineer a vertical farm.

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Agenda (50 minutes - 2 days)

What is vertical farming?

What are the advantages in using vertical farming?

Why grow plants hydroponically?

How can vertical farming help the community?

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Introduction

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Vertical farming is the agricultural process in which crops are grown on top of each other, rather than in traditional, horizontal rows. Growing vertically allows for conservation in space, resulting in a higher crop yield per square foot of land used. Vertical farms are mainly located indoors, such as a warehouse, where they have the ability to control the environmental conditions for plants to succeed.

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• The project can be done by small groups 4-5 students.
• Gather the necessary materials:

List of Materials

• 4 pcs 4" PVC pipe each 4ft
• heat gun
• water Bucket with lid
• submersible pump
• drip emitters
• emitter tubing
• small pebbles- ( could also be rocks, coco fibers, floral foam, sand, etc.0
• plastic net cups 2 in or 3 in (can be small plastic cups with holes on the sides)
• vegetable seeds
• hydroponics nutrient solution

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Instruction:

1. Drill a hole on the lid of the bucket big enough to place the PVC pipe upright in the middle.
2. Drill holes on the side of the pvc pipe so you can place the net cups on the side.
3. Prepare the submersible pump and place it at the bottom of the bucket, and run the emitter tubing in the middle of the PVC pipe. Make sure to secure the tubing on the top of the PVC with a rain drip emitter connected at the end.
4. Prepare plant in the net cup and place in in the holes of the PVC pipe.
5. Put water inside the bucket with the proper amount of hydroponic nutrient solution (based on the volume of water you use).
6. Turn on the pump.
7. Have students explore how the sunlight will reach plants. Why does this system work?

Assessment

Observe the growth of the plants and collect data. �- how long did the seeds take to sprout?�- how many seeds sprouted?�- if using different seeds, you can also compare the growth of each plants.

Have students reflect on the engineering process to create the vertical farm. This could be through a video, interview, presentation, poster, etc. Why do the students think this vertical farm is a good choice for indoor farming?

Students can draw a diagram and/or write about how the flow of energy from the sun hits the different plants in this system.

Differentiation

Other groups can also create the normal way to plant vegetables (flat garden or using pots). This could be done if there is a limited supply and also this can be use to compare the outcome of two projects.

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Check in consistently with groups to see if anyone is struggling.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students who were able to build the system can do research comparing traditional gardening and using the hydroponics system.

We can also use our students to help the community to be aware of alternative gardening.

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