Hydroponics on Wheels

Author: Sarah Pounders

The students and teachers at Milton Cooper Elementary in Houston, Texas, have found a unique location to grow plants hydroponically: a 1973 VW Microbus! The van, affectionately named “Vincent Van Grow,” is a school-wide endeavor that engaged 300 fourth and fifth grade students in science and art lessons as they created the innovative mobile science lab.

As fifth grade science teacher Cláudia Zimmer explains, “Plant life cycles are part of our curriculum, but urban school children have few opportunities to be exposed to them in a meaningful way. Our main objective was to build a learning tool that could be shared with other schools and community organizations. The students, along with teachers and volunteers, helped design and build the interior and exterior of the van to bring community awareness to hydroponics. The culmination of the yearlong project will be introducing hydroponics to the community by entering the van in the 20th Annual Houston Art Car Parade. In the future, students will also be involved in educating the community by making presentations, demonstrations, and answering questions from the public.”

The design allows equipment to be moved easily between the van and a classroom-based science lab where students participate in regular inquiry-driven experiments. The hydroponically grown plants are compared to those in the schoolyard's “cylinder garden” (five-gallon bottomless containers filled with potting soil). The two growing techniques are compared relative to space, quality, and practicality.

Ready to roll and share the wonder of hydroponics. (click for larger image)

“Our project aims to engage students in scientific inquiry regarding plant growth, the environment and its resources (or lack thereof), and in the creative process related to design and art. We explore the needs of living things, plant life cycles, structure and function of living systems, and teamwork. As a result, students become more prepared to live and work in a world that is increasingly scientific and technical in nature. We hope increased interest in science and technology may also lead to better standardized test scores in science and other areas that require critical thinking skills.”

Milton Cooper received its hydroponics system through the Hooked on Hydronponics Award. The Grow Store and the Progressive Gardening Trade Association join NGA to offer these grants to expand unique learning opportunities for students. Click here to view the list of the 14 winning programs for 2006. In 2007, 24 grants will be awarded. For more information and to download an application, visit here.