4-H Classroom Hydroponics

Sprouting STEM Skills: 4-H Launches New Hydroponics Kits for Local Classrooms

 

What if you could bring a hands-on science lab right into your classroom, complete with fresh vegetables and a front-row seat to the wonders of botany? We are thrilled to announce that 4-H is making this a reality with our new classroom hydroponics program!

We've acquired three self-contained 5-gallon hydroponic grow tank kits that are now available for loan to Gaston Public Schools teachers. These easy-to-use systems are perfect for teaching students about plant life cycles, sustainable agriculture, and the science behind how plants grow—all without a single speck of soil.

A Living Laboratory in Your Classroom

With these kits, your classroom transforms into a living laboratory. Students can become junior botanists, observing seeds germinate and watching plants grow from tiny seedlings to full-sized vegetables. This hands-on experience provides a hands-on way to teach core subjects. For example, students can:

• Science: Learn about photosynthesis, plant anatomy, and the role of roots in nutrient absorption. Hypothesize about environmental impacts on water quality and plant life cycles. Experiment with growing a variety of plants in a soilless system.
• Math: Measure plant growth, track data over time, calculate nutrient absorption rates as you record measurement changes in pH and Total Dissolved Solids.
• Nutrition: Discuss healthy eating and where our food comes from. Explore how environmental safety regulations impact the food supply in a variety of grow systems.

The best part? It's a completely self-contained system, making it a clean and easy addition to any classroom space.

How it Works

Each of the three hydroponic sets is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a loan period of up to 18 weeks. We've made it as simple as possible for you to get started. Each kit includes everything you need: the hydroponic tank, grow light, seeds, a growing medium, and all the necessary nutrient solutions. We’ll even provide supporting lesson plans and activities that align with educational standards to get you started.Before you take a kit, a training session will be provided to ensure you feel confident and ready to lead this exciting project with your students. Plus you will have the opportunity to schedule in-person bonus classroom lesson for your students with a Cooperative Extension professional.

Get Your Classroom Growing!

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring engaging, real-world STEM education to your students. To reserve a hydroponics kit for your classroom, please complete our sign-up form. go.ncsu.edu/growschools

For any additional questions, please call our office and we will assist you,  704-922-2111