Hydroponic Vertical Farming: Helping Feed Our Growing Population
Overview
By 2050, it’s estimated that 80 percent of the world’s 9.2 billion population will live in urban areas. In this lesson students will gain an understanding of what a seed needs in order to grow into a healthy plant, and what a vertical farm is by comparing and contrasting this method of food production with conven-tional farming methods. Students will design their own rubric; research best practices; create blueprints; and modify and build a working model of an indoor vertical hydroponic farm through collaborative efforts using recycled materials. This closed system should last six or more months, which allows students time for reflection, entertainment and a healthy snack.
Objectives
Students will:
- Understand what a seed needs to grow into a healthy plant.
- Know what a vertical farm is and compare and contrast that method of food production with traditional farming methods.
- Design and build a working model of a hydroponic vertical farm.
Duration
Up to two weeks
Activity 1: 30 to 60 minutes
Activity 2: 30 to 60 minutes
Activity 3: 60 to 90 minutes
Activity 4: 60 to 120 minutes
Activity 5: 30 to 60 minutes
Activity 6: 60 to 90 minutes
Lesson Plan
