About this Guide
Hydroponics, in its simplest form, is growing plants by supplying all necessary nutrients in the plants’ water supply rather than through the soil. The word derives from the Greek root words “hydro,” meaning water, and “ponics,” meaning working. Growing plants hydroponically helps gardeners and farmers grow more food in smaller areas (classrooms, greenhouses, rooftops, and living rooms, for instance) and to produce food in parts of the world where space, good soil, and/or water are limited. When students grow plants hydroponically, they begin to investigate plant needs through a different lens and have the chance to develop a deep understanding about the conditions required for healthy plant growth and development.
Exploring Hydroponics includes
- basic how-to information for growing plants hydroponically in your classroom
- lesson plans to help students learn through hands-on investigations
- construction plans for simple hydroponics setups
- additional reference materials to support your endeavors
- student worksheets in Spanish and English
