Product Description:

The "Hydroponics" course is designed for learners in grades 6-8. This comprehensive 15-hour course delves into essential plant-related concepts, including plant growth, germination, photosynthesis, and the basics of hydroponics. Through practical activities, students will plant seeds in a classroom hydroponics garden and culminate their learning by designing innovative plant systems to address real-world challenges.

Course Features:

• 15 Lesson Hours: The course includes 15 detailed lessons that cover a wide range of topics in hydroponics and plant science.

• Curriculum and Supporting Materials: Comprehensive lesson plans, activity guides, and additional resources to support effective teaching and learning.

• Ongoing Product and Curriculum Support: Continuous support to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and effective.

• Professional Development: Training sessions for educators to deliver the course content effectively and facilitate student learning.

• Facilitation by a Trained STEM Instructor (Optional): Option to have a professional STEM instructor lead the course.

Learning Target Examples:

1. What? No Soil? Introduction: Understanding the basics of hydroponics. Why hydroponics? Identify benefits and challenges.

2. Let’s Get Scientific! Plant Growth: Parts of plants, plant roles and requirements, and photosynthesis overview.

3. Let’s Do It: Setting Up The Hydroponics System: Necessary components, overview of the types of systems, purposes, preparation, and planting.

4. Let’s Be Picky: Hydroponics Crop Selection: Which plants? Comparing, germination vs. direct planting.

5. Taking Care: Monitoring Plants: Monitoring the hydroponics system.

6. Don’t Be A Pest: Insects: Pesky, pesty bugs. Identify, benefits, and solutions.

7. The Circle Of Life: Plant Cycle: Life cycle and stages of plants + reproduction.

8. Water Is Life: The Role of Water: Learn more about water, climate change, and roots: The water carriers in plants—purposes, functions.

9. Be A Scientist: Test Variables: Threats to photosynthesis and plants.

10. Farm To Table: Issues & Harvesting: How to harvest crops and solutions to hunger.

11. Are There More? Exploration: Design a hydroponics system to solve a problem.

12. Out Of This World: Hydroponics system for a space station—for infinity and beyond!

13. What’s The Buzz?: How aeroponics and aquaponics work, advantages and disadvantages. Floating gardens.

14. Helping the Environment: Advantages of plants and trees for the environment and the world.

15. The Future of Hydroponics: What the future holds in hydroponics using Technology and AI.

Equipment Included:

• Classroom Hydroponics Kit: Includes shelving, plant food, growing cups and sponges, seeds, pH probe, and magnifying glasses.

• Supporting Materials: Various materials required for hands-on activities, including instructional guides and activity sheets.

Professional Development:

• Teacher Training: Comprehensive training sessions to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach the course.

• Ongoing Support: Continuous professional development opportunities and support to ensure successful course delivery.

Additional Information:

• Designed for Learners in Grades 6-8: The course is tailored to meet the developmental and educational needs of students in this age group.

• Hands-On Activities: Emphasis on interactive and engaging activities to foster a love for learning and exploration in STEM fields.

• Problem-Solving and Creativity: Encourages students to use their imagination and creativity while learning the basics of hydroponics and plant science.