Overview
Explore hydroponics and explain its uses and limitations as a tool to help sustain human populations and manage natural resources. In this investigation, students design a solution for producing enough food for growing populations and the shift from rural to urban communities. They grow plants hydroponically in a modified ebb and flow system, analyze data from their hydroponic systems, and make recommendations about using hydroponics.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school biology course.
Time Requirements
Teacher prep, 60 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 2 weeks—1 day to set up investigation 1 (60 minutes), periodic monitoring for 2 weeks (5 minutes per day), 1 day for investigation 2 (60 minutes), and 1 day for analysis (60 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-ESS3-3. Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among the management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
Crosscutting Concepts
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems
Science and Engineering Practices
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the needs of plants.
Hydroponics and Sustainability Kit
Item #331146
In Stock Quick View
Hydroponics and Sustainability Kit Voucher
Item #331146DV
In Stock Quick View
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
