Sustainability In The Making!!

Funded Jan 16, 2018

Innovation has been a driving force of human progression. It's hard to believe that once upon a time, there was no such thing as indoor plumbing, mobile phones, apps, wireless charging, space explorations, etc... One of the newest technologies on the horizon is hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming.

Industrial farming for the masses has been a part of the global economy for centuries; importing and exporting goods grown from one region to another. Although, it has been useful, and lucrative, the need for improvements for efficiency have long been known. Aquaponics can be an answer! Its energy efficient, low cost, low maintenance, and uses roughly 75% less water than traditional farming.

Students have been introduced to this "new" technology in an Environmental Science class. Lessons surrounding sustainability intrigued their interest in finding a solution for their own community. They researched the best method to build an aquaponics system in teams, and presented said research in front of a panel of judges where the winning team's design was chosen.

Students have begun preliminary measurements to begin building the system. We have had to pause our efforts due to our district making improvements to an area attached to the greenhouse. We will resume building the first week in May. In the meantime, students have been planting, watering, growing, harvesting, and using plants in our traditional community garden, visited an Agriculture department at Mississippi State University, talked with an aquaponics farmer, and are planning to visit the Agriculture/Aquaculture Department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. They will also host more fundraisers to purchase other tools, materials, stock (fish fingerlings), food, and water treatment to successfully finish the project.

Using this material will enable students to understand the importance of efficiently using natural resources. It will also give them the knowledge, and hands-on training to build aquaponic systems in the future (there are talks of them making start-kits to sell through our school)! This experience has been amazing! When students get engaged, the possibilities are endless!

Thank you so much for your support!!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Walker