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Hydroponics STEM Education Programs

 

Help students discover the unique characteristics of plants while learning the science of hydroponics.

 
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At NextWaveSTEM, we offer hands-on hydroponics education programs developed for K-12. Our program gives students the chance to explore soil-less plant cultivation by growing and nurturing plants in classroom hydroponic gardens. With 15 structured, hour-long lessons and equipment kits aligned with top educational standards like CSTA, Common Core, ISTE, and 21st Century Skills, we ensure an engaging experience. But it’s more than just growing plants; it’s about growing minds. As students get into hydroponics, they spark creativity, build problem-solving skills, and connect their learning to real-world applications.

To make the experience even more accessible, schools can integrate our program seamlessly into the school day, after-school sessions, or summer programs. For added support, we also offer professional development and the option for a trained STEM instructor to lead the sessions.

So far, our team of educators, curriculum developers, and leaders has delivered in-person and virtual courses in over 500 schools, reaching more than 200,000 students—and we’re just getting started! Our goal is to keep inspiring young minds through inquiry-based learning, so join us today to help build a stronger future.

What is Hydroponics?

 

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants with water and nutrients instead of soil.

Through our hydroponics education programs, students learn about life and earth science. They build problem-solving skills, environmental awareness, technology exposure, STEM career exploration, and nutrition education.

 
 

Hydroponics Standards-Aligned

Lessons & Kits for K-12

At NextWaveSTEM®, each hydroponics course includes 15, 1-hour lessons with equipment kits aligned or supported by standards from CSTA, Common Core, ISTE, P21, and relevant state standards from Illinois, Florida, Texas, New York, and California.

 

K-2

Budding Botanists: For Young Gardeners

Through hands-on engaging activities, students explore many aspects of plants, their needs, and various growing conditions.

  • Learn about plants through growing their own plants in the hydroponic system, testing plant growth under different conditions.

  • Observe and document their observations in their plant journals

  • Create a flipbook to display their understanding

Download a K-2 Hydroponics one-pager here

3-5

Hydroponics Systems: Gardening Without Soil

Exploring two different types of plant growth, hydroponics and traditional gardening, students:

  • Learn about growth requirements and processes, seed germination and dispersal, photosynthesis, pH, food deserts, hydroponics in space, alternate plant systems, and more

  • Plant seeds in a classroom hydroponics garden and grow them into full-size plants

  • Design a future plant system to solve a problem in their community or in the world, then present it to their classmates

Download a 3-5 Hydroponics one-pager here

6-8

Grow, Learn, Thrive: For Curious Cultivators

Continuing the investigation of two distinct methods of plant cultivation, hydroponics and traditional gardening, students:

  • Gain knowledge on plant growth necessities and mechanisms by exploring how nutrients are delivered directly to the roots and how different light spectrums influence photosynthesis.

  • Sow seeds in a classroom hydroponics garden and nurture them to maturity by monitoring nutrient levels, adjusting light exposure, and maintaining optimal water conditions

  • Devise a prospective plant system aimed at addressing a community or global issue, subsequently presenting it to their classmates.

Download a 6-8 Hydroponics one-pager here

9-12

 Hydroponics: Agricultural Sciences

The final chapter in our hydroponics education programs: learn about and complete hands-on activities related to soil science, plant biology, irrigation, pest control, sustainability, Agroforestry, land management, and distribution.

  • Learn about sustainable farming practices and reducing environmental impact.

  • Efficient water use in agriculture, various irrigation techniques and the role of water management in sustainable farming.

  • Understand modern agricultural technologies and how to improve farming efficiency and effectiveness.

Download a 9-12 Hydroponics one-pager here

Why Hydroponics?

 

We believe in empowering learners with hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Our incorporation of hydroponics in STEM education offers a rich learning environment, where students can:

  • Develop hands-on experience in various STEM disciplines.

  • Cultivate problem-solving skills through practical applications.

  • Enhance their environmental awareness and understanding.

  • Explore the intersection of technology and innovation.

  • Discover a multitude of STEM career pathways.

  • Acquire knowledge about nutrition and sustainable practices.

  • Engage in research opportunities that bridge classroom learning with real-world challenges.

Our interdisciplinary approach to STEM education equips students with crucial skills and knowledge, preparing them for success in future STEM careers.

 

FAQs

  • A hydroponics program opens many exciting career opportunities in agriculture and environmental science. Students can step into roles like hydroponics technicians, agricultural scientists, sustainability consultants, or greenhouse managers. At the same time, those interested in innovation can go into research and development, where they can work on new farming technologies and sustainable practices. Teaching is another great path where graduates can help others learn about hydroponics and eco-friendly agriculture.

  • Kids commonly need special equipment or materials for hydroponics education programs but can fully participate without needing to source them independently. This is because each course includes a comprehensive equipment kit containing essential items for hydroponics, such as nutrient solutions, growing containers, seeds, and lighting components. Additionally, basic supplies like measuring tools, plant journals, and instructional materials are also provided.

  • At NextWaveSTEM, no prior experience is required for any grade level to enroll in the hydroponics education programs. The curriculum is designed to cater to K-2 to 12-grade students, ensuring that lessons are age-appropriate and accessible. However, a basic interest in science and an eagerness to learn about plants, technology, and sustainability will enhance the experience. Each program level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) introduces concepts progressively, allowing students to build on their knowledge regardless of their initial familiarity with hydroponics.

  • The hydroponics course is carefully designed to meet STEM standards, making learning both hands-on and engaging. With 15 one-hour lessons, students get into life and earth sciences while also exploring technology and sustainability. The course also follows educational guidelines from the NGSS, Common Core, International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and P21 frameworks. It also meets state standards in Illinois, Florida, Texas, New York, and California. Additionally, through interactive activities, students learn about plant growth, environmental science, and innovative technology. They also develop problem-solving skills, better understand sustainability, and explore exciting STEM career paths.

  • Hydroponics is an innovative method for teaching science as it combines hands-on learning with crucial interdisciplinary concepts. This soil-less growing technique allows students to engage directly with plant biology, environmental science, and technology. By observing plant growth in real-time, they develop problem-solving skills, environmental awareness, and a deeper appreciation for sustainability and efficient resource use, aligning with modern agricultural practices. Additionally, the course also helps students build essential scientific observation skills, data collection, analysis, and experiment planning and execution, which are all key aspects of the 'Science and Engineering Practices' in the NGSS.