By Andi Anderson
A new aquaponics curriculum developed by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) is bringing STEM learning and sustainable agriculture into classrooms.
The program offers students a hands-on experience with aquaponics, an innovative system where fish and plants grow together in a self-sustaining ecosystem.
The curriculum, Aquaponics: Farming Fish, Growing Greens, includes 10 lessons designed to introduce students to water quality, environmental science, and agricultural sustainability.
It also incorporates reading comprehension, data analysis, and math skills, making it a comprehensive educational tool aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
How Aquaponics Works
In an aquaponics system, fish are raised in tanks, and their nutrient-rich wastewater is used to nourish plants growing hydroponically. The plants absorb the nutrients, effectively filtering the water, which is then returned to the fish tanks. This closed-loop system ensures minimal water waste and efficient nutrient use.
Bringing Aquaponics to Schools
Currently, six high schools in Illinois and Indiana are using aquaponics in classrooms and greenhouses, thanks to donated equipment from commercial farms. IISG’s team has worked closely with educators to design and implement aquaponics systems, providing support to engage students in sustainable agriculture practices.
Teachers can integrate the curriculum into existing programs or use individual lessons to reinforce class topics. The curriculum also includes PowerPoints, YouTube links, and additional resources.
Educators interested in the Aquaponics: Farming Fish, Growing Greens curriculum can find more details on the IISG website. Another resource, Know Your H2O, allows teachers to borrow water monitoring equipment used in commercial aquaculture.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Illinois, Sustainable Agriculture