Maize High School in suburban Wichita, Kansas features an extensive hydroponics program. (photo courtesy of Jay Super/Maize High School)
Hydroponics and aquaponics are an important part of sustainable agriculture, especially in space-scarce urban areas. Numerous high schools recognize the bright future of hydroponics and aquaponics, and as a result include it as part of their curriculum.
Here is a sampling of those across the nation:
1. Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School, Brooklyn, New York
At the Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School in Brooklyn, New York, the school using its Urban Farm for service-learning. Through hydroponics, students grow produce year-round, which helps feed people at the school as well as community members. Produce grown includes tomatoes, herbs, peppers and greens. Each month, the farm hosts a market days event to recognize the school’s rich cultural diversity, as well as to promote health and nutrition. The Urban Farm has partnerships with New York Sun Works, City Hydroponics and Teens for Food Justice.
2. Maize High School, Wichita, Kansas
A 2-year-old non-rural FFA chapter at Maize High School, located in suburban Wichita, Kansas, grows food hydroponically. Teacher Jay Super recognized that his students were eager to learn about new ways of farming and about where their food comes from, so he applied for a $12,500 grant from the Kansas Department of Agriculture that enables them to grow food for the school’s cafeteria. With the grant money, Maize High purchased hydroponic equipment. Super and his students converted a windowed hallway into a hydroponics farm. Basil, dill and cilantro are used by students in the school’s culinary program, while lettuce, tomatoes, radishes and carrots are served in the cafeteria.
3. Alea High School, Alea, Hawaii
Aiea High School in Aiea, Hawaii uses hydroponics to teach about the