Sustainability STEM Education Programs

Sustainability is about creating balance between people, the planet, and progress. It focuses on meeting today’s needs while preserving natural resources, ecosystems, and social well-being for future generations. In education, sustainability connects science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with global challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable agriculture.

The NextWave STEM Sustainability Pathway gives students the tools to explore how innovation can drive environmental solutions. Through hands-on STEM projects, learners design hydroponic systems, test renewable energy models, study the impact of pollution, and develop data-driven strategies for sustainability. They see how real science and technology can make communities more resilient and environmentally responsible.

Aligned with NGSS and Career and Technical Education (CTE) frameworks, this pathway prepares students for green careers in fields like environmental engineering, clean energy technology, urban farming, and circular design. It encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity—skills essential to solving the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

Through hands-on, engaging activities, students explore the needs of plants and various growing conditions. Over 15 lessons, early learners observe growth, record data in simple journals, and begin to delve into the science of hydroponics while developing early inquiry and observation skills.

Technology
and gear used:

Classroom implementation aligns with a K–2 hydroponics setup (read‑alouds and a classroom hydroponic system with shelving, plant food, growing cups and sponges, seeds, soil, magnifying glasses, craft materials) to support seed starting and observation-driven learning.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

This introductory hydroponics course spans 15 lessons covering plant growth, seed germination and dispersal, photosynthesis, hydroponics, pH, food sustainability, and future plant systems. Students plant seeds in a classroom hydroponics garden, grow them to full size, and design a future plant system to solve a community or global problem.

Technology
and gear used:

Classroom hydroponics garden is central (hydroponic system with shelving, plant food, growing cups and sponges, seeds, and a pH probe/magnifying tools), supporting continuous monitoring, journaling, and showcase presentations.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

In this intermediate sequence, students compare hydroponics and traditional gardening, deepening knowledge of plant growth requirements and mechanisms. They explore nutrient delivery directly to roots and how light spectra influence photosynthesis, maintain a classroom hydroponics garden to maturity, and propose systems addressing community or global challenges.

Technology
and gear used:

A classroom hydroponics system supports sowing, nutrient monitoring, pH checks, and light adjustments; learners maintain optimal water conditions and document evidence‑based improvements throughout the unit.

Introduction and learning outcomes:

The capstone in the hydroponics pathway focuses on Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. Students engage in hands‑on activities spanning soil science, plant biology, irrigation, pest control, sustainability, agroforestry, land management, and distribution, linking practices to modern, sustainable agriculture and environmental impact reduction.

Technology
and gear used:

Classroom resources emphasize efficient water use, irrigation techniques, and modern agricultural technologies to improve farming efficiency and effectiveness.

Typical class kits include soil pH test kits, plant samples and dissection kits, and model irrigation supplies to support practical labs.