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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.
The finished product should be functioning.

List of Materials

Aquarium or Transparent container for the fish
Styro box that you can place on the top of the aquarium
Submersible pump with tubing
Pebbles: Small (vase fillers)it could also be rocks, coco fibers, floral foam, sand, etc.
Plastic net cups 2” or 3” (can be small plastic cups with holes on the sides)
Vegetable seeds (Example)
Fish (Aquarium fish produce nutrients for plants)

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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.

3.L2U1.7

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

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

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.

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 (Aquaponics).

Today students will be able to design and engineer an aquaponics system.

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Agenda (50 minutes - 2 days)

What is aquaponics?

What are the advantages in using aquaponics?

Why grow plants through aquaponics?

How can aquaponics help the community?

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Intro

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

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

List of Materials

Aquarium or transparent container for the fish
Styrofoam box that you can place on top of the aquarium
Submersible pump with tubing
Pebbles: Small (vase fillers), it could also be rocks, coco fibers, floral foam, sand, etc.
Plastic net cups 2” or 3” (can be small plastic cups with holes on the sides)
Vegetable seeds
Fish (Aquarium fish)

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Instruction:

Prepare the aquarium with fishes inside it.
Place the submersible pump in to the aquarium (be sure to guard the intake so fish don’t get stuck)
Place the styrofoam box on the top of the aquarium putting two holes on both end which will serve to run the water in to the box and the other hole will serve as drain going to the aquarium
Drill/cut holes on the lid of the styro box, enough to fit the net cups
Place the net cups with plants in the the holes of the styro box cover, make sure that the net cups halfway submerge to the water inside the box.
turn on the pump, make sure that it is pushing water up to the styro box and draining on the other hole.

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Assessment

Observe the growth of the plants:�- 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 aquaponics system. This could be through a video, interview, presentation, poster, etc. Why do the students think this aquaponics system is a good choice for indoor farming? How does it reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers?

Students can present their reflections as the final part of the project.

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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.

Check in with students to see if anyone is struggling.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

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

Students can create presentations or some way of showing the community their projects and research to help the community be aware of alternative gardening.