Teacher Resource and Education Package

Teacher Resource and Education Package

Grades 3-5

Subject Areas:

Science

Health & Nutrition

Sustainable Living

Try it:

This is a new and innovative way to teach kids about different forms of Hydroponics (soilless farming) and photosynthesis. This is something that they can do in their own home or in small groups at school. Helps students to see how soilless farming works, and is an alternative to unsuitable ground conditions.

Experiment Instructions:

Divide the class into small groups and have them complete this project together. Every 2 days have the students record their results. This include colour, height, and dampness of the cloth, texture, smells and any other results on their sheet. With this experiment, you should expect to see sprouting in 1-3 days and should take about 1-2 weeks to complete, however you can keep this experiment ongoing.

HYDROPONICS Plant Tracking Sheet

Date: / Time: / What changes do you see? / What do you think will happen?

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What is HYDROPONICS?

Hydroponics is growing plants in a solution of water and nutrients, without soil. The solution is created by adding the elements plants needs to water, which is fed directly to the plant’s roots. In some hydroponic systems, the roots are in a growing medium, which keeps them moist, aerated and helps to support the plant. Hydroponics provides the plant with the ideal water and nutrient ratios and optimum conditions for growth.

What is AQUAPONICS?

AQUAPONICS is a combination of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (soil-less plant culture). In aquaponics, the nutrient-rich water that results from raising fish provides a source of natural fertilizer for the growing plants. As the plants consume the nutrients, they help to purify the water that the fish live in. A natural microbial process keeps both the fish and plants healthy. This creates a sustainable ecosystem where both plants and fish can thrive. Aquaponics is the ideal answer to a fish farmer’s problem of disposing of nutrient rich water and a hydroponic growers need for nutrient rich water.

Benefits of Aquaponics?

1) Almost nothing goes to water

2) Uses 95% less water than traditional agriculture

3) Can grow year round- no matter the weather

4) Produces multiple crops

5) No risk of soil borne diseases

Local Example of Aquaponics and Giving Back to the Community?

AquaGrow Farms is a 500 square foot urban farm, nestled in the warehouse of The Mississauga Food Bank. We grow and distribute thousands of servings of fresh produce and protein every year to feed our hungry neighbours. AquaGrow Farms starts conversations about food insecurity and the need for fresh food by those who live in poverty in Mississauga.

Youtube Videos:

AquaGrow Farms 2:41

CBC National Report 4:59

More Information can be found at

Contact: Colin Cotton

Source: