Food Science students at Lithia Springs High School recently explored the field of hydroponics thanks to Perkins Grant Funding, a federal program that provides funding and guidelines for Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. Investigating the technique of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution rather than soil allowed students to gain hands-on experience in agricultural practices.
Students learned about the intriguing history of hydroponics, tracing its origins back to the Aztec Empire while discovering the benefits of both aeroponics and hydroponics in sustaining the food supply. After gaining invaluable insights, students were tasked with assembling a tower garden and mastering the most effective way to care for the plants.
“We held a plant adoption day where each student chose two of the 30 plants to nurture,” said Kimberly Benford, Department Chair of CTAE. “The students took responsibility for thinning their plants and learning specific care requirements, such as hand pollination for our fruiting varieties.”
The nutrition students eagerly observed the progress each day. Whether topping off the water, adding plant fertilizer, or cleaning and replacing tank water, they routinely checked the hydroponic app, tracking the tower’s essential needs.
After five weeks into the project, students had the opportunity to experience their first harvest. They carefully trimmed the crisp lettuce leaves and enjoyed a fresh hydroponics salad made from green tatsoi, flashy lettuce, red salad bowl lettuce, mustard greens, and romaine. Additionally, previously harvested herbs, such as basil, thyme, dill, parsley, and cilantro were used as the finishing touch.
Benford expressed enthusiasm about the students’ overall experience.
“This project has been incredibly engaging for the students," she said. "I love seeing their faces light up on Mondays when they enter class. Most students check on the plants before heading to their seats.”
In November, the project concludes with a trip to Serenbe Farms, a certified organic produce farm with over 300 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers.