9 Easy Ways to Incorporate Gardyn into Your STEM Curriculum

Agriculture education allows students to see the intersection of biological sciences with technology and engineering, fostering a deeper understanding of real-world applications.

Technologies like irrigation systems, plant genetics and variation of seeds, and water sensors introduce engineering concepts, while math plays a critical role in measuring growth rates, calculating yields, and managing resources.

One fantastic tool to bring agriculture into the classroom is the Gardyn hydroponic growing system. It provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge agricultural technology, showing students how indoor gardening can conserve water and reduce the need for soil.

Here are 9 ways to incorporate the Gardyn hydroponic growing system into the classroom curriculum:

Elementary School (PreK-5)

• Hands-on Plant Biology: Let students choose one of up to 30 plants in the Gardyn and observe the stages of growth, teaching them the basics of biology, water cycles, and plant needs.
• Counting and Measuring: Use the Gardyn to teach math concepts by having students measure plant height, count leaves, or track growth over time.
• Classroom Jobs: Create a rotating schedule where students are responsible for watering, monitoring plant growth and harvesting, teaching responsibility, and teamwork.

Middle School (6-8)

• STEM Exploration: Use the Gardyn to explore the science behind hydroponics, including water efficiency, nutrient cycles, and sustainable farming practices.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Students can gather data on growth rates, water usage, and plant health then analyze this information as part of a science or math project.
• Nutrition Education: Integrate the Gardyn into health classes by discussing the nutritional benefits of fresh produce and have students create meal plans using their harvest.

High School (9-12)

• Environmental Science Projects: Use Gardyn as a model for sustainable agriculture. Have students compare hydroponic farming with traditional farming regarding resource usage, yield, and environmental impact.
• Entrepreneurship: Challenge students to develop a business model around growing and selling Gardyn-grown produce, teaching skills in economics, marketing, and operations.
• Advanced STEM Experiments: Students can design experiments to test variables such as light exposure, nutrient levels, or plant varieties, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and engineering.

Gardyn’s Hybriponics® technology maximizes vertical space, making it perfect for classrooms with limited room. Students get to experiment with sustainable farming and resource management, reinforcing their STEM education in a dynamic and interactive way.

To learn more about Gardyn in the Classroom, check out our page here.