Project Author: Don Bourdon (bourdond@northnet.org)

Project Title: Hooked on 'Ponics

Project Begin & End Dates: 2/12/01 to 3/30/01

Project Summary:
In this activity, the students will grow basil plants from seed using both hydroponics and conventional gardening techniques. After six weeks students evaluate the growth rates of the plants and determine under which environmental conditions of light, temperature, nutrition and altitude yielded the best results.
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Project Details
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Project Level: Basic

Curriculum Area: Mathematics, Science, Technology

Technologies Used: Email


Full Project Description:
In conventional gardening, plants are grown in soil. In hydroponic gardening, plants are grown in a soilless medium or nutrient solution. NASA researchers are experimenting with hydroponics for use in long-term space explorations. Agricultural engineers use hydroponics as a high yield alternative food production source to feed our planet?s growing population. Hooked on ?Ponics is a fourth grade telecomputing project designed to increase student understanding of the scientific process and introduce students to hydroponic gardening principles.

Students will grow basil plants from seed using both hydroponics and conventional gardening techniques under varing environmental conditions of light, temperature, nutrition and altitude. After six weeks students evaluate the growth rates of the basil plants and determine which environmental conditions yielded the best results.

Five other schools, selected from diverse geographical areas and altitudes, will participate in this project. Each school will receive a MicroFarm Hydroponic Kit, starter cubes, and seeds to grow basil hydroponically. All participating schools will use a TerraAqua Column (to be built by the 4th grade students at St. Bernard?s for this project) to grow basil in soil. Partner schools will keep all project materials and enjoy freshly grown basil.

Students will use a Hydroponics vs. Soil Log Sheet to record weekly growth and environmental data. Partner schools will email data to St. Bernard?s School on a weekly basis. Students will photograph their plants each week. Students will chart their data and keep a log of their research noting any differences between hydroponically grown basil verses soil grown basil and note any disease(s) that occurred and the measure(s) used to correct the disease(s).

All data and photos will be posted on St. Bernard?s web site. Each school then evaluates the growth rates of the plants and determines under which environmental conditions of light, temperature, nutrition and altitude produced the most basil.

Objectives:
Through Hooked on ?Ponics students will: use mathematical analysis and scientific inquiry to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions (MST Standard 1); access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies (MST Standard 2); apply scientific concepts pertaining to the physical setting and living environment (MST Standard 4); understand the relationships and common themes connecting math, science and technology (MST Standard 6); apply the knowledge and thinking skills of math, science and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions (MST Standard 7).
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Project Registration Information
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Project Email Address: sbschool@geocities.com

Registration Acceptance Dates: 1/16/01 to 1/30/01

Number of Classrooms: 5

Age Range: 8 to 12 years

Target Audience: Anyone

Project URL: http://www.geocities.com/sbschool/projects

Registration Instructions:
If you would like to participate in our project please email your intentions, along with the following information, to: sbschool@geocities.com

Teacher's Name:
Email:
School Name:
School Address:
Grade Level:
Altitude of  your school location:
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Project Contact Information
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Don Bourdon - mailto:bourdond@northnet.org
Technology Coordinator -  St. Bernard's School
http://www.geocities.com/sbschool
Saranac Lake, New York
US