About the Project

Aquaponics “School” is our clever title for combining the science of raising a “school” of fish and educating our “school” of students on the benefits of growing our own food. In this recirculating system, fish waste is converted into natural fertilizer for plants; the plants consume the nutrients and return clean water for the fish. Students are able to participate in a hands-on learning environment where they witness the benefits of a symbiotic relationship. All areas of the curriculum are enhanced as students work collaboratively to discover applications of scientific principles, engineering, biochemistry, biology, and ecology using a living system of fish, water, energy and growing plants. Students learn the mechanics of growing healthy produce in their aquaponics system that maximizes opportunities for both individual, paired and group hands-on participation. From student-facilitated water chemistry testing, to measuring the area of irregularly shaped leaves, aquaponics provides unique and fun ways to understand environmental challenges facing our food system. Students learn how aquaponics is an environmentally sustainable solution for communities around the globe, and how related STEM concepts achieve those sustainable solutions.