Hooked on Hydroponics Awards
Middle School Level: Eight
(8) award packages
Wondering if a hydroponic system is suited to your
classroom? To help you decide, we provide equipment
descriptions for packages that were awarded in 2006,
and ideas for classroom activities for the various award
packages. The packages awarded in
2007 may vary from these specific components, but will
be similar in size and application.
The table below contains a brief overview of package characteristics.
For more detailed descriptions of components and suggestions
for classroom use, please follow the "details" links
under the heading
"Package Name":
Package
Name |
Equipment Dimensions
|
Growing
Area Dimensions
|
Appropriate Plants |
Misc. Notes |
|
2 growing units: each measures
24"
W x 36" L |
5' x 5' primary growing area; low
light plants will thrive on perimeter |
Anything |
Fixture requires a support that can hold 20 lbs. |
|
2 growing units: each measures
12" W x 31" L |
5' x 5' primary growing area; low light
plants will thrive on perimeter |
Anything |
Fixture requires hanger that can hold 20 lbs.; convertible
between metal halide (blue spectrum) and high-pressure sodium (red spectrum)
lamps |
Package
M-1 Classroom Uses and Equipment Details
Classroom Uses
The flood-and-drain system is suitable for growing
all kinds of plants. The 400-watt metal halide light provides
a large growing area.
Each package includes two growing units,
allowing for side-by-side trials or friendly classroom competitions.
Consider comparing soil culture with hydroponic culture; experiment
with nutrient or pH levels, number of light hours, water temperatures;
and
any
others students
are
curious to investigate. Contests can fuel excitement for learning;
challenge teams to see whose indoor garden can produce the
first flower or ripe tomato; the greatest amount of vegetables
or abundance of blooms; or the most flavorful lettuce and herbs.
Students' fertile imaginations are sure to sprout other exciting
and
educational
projects.
Equipment Details
One (1) Sunleaves 400-watt metal halide grow light
and accessories
-
lightweight, compact light with an
external ballast and tempered lens
-
fully UL/CSA listed for use in damp
locations
-
provides intense light for a 5-by-5-foot
primary growing area; plants that require less light will
thrive outside of the primary area.
-
light penetrates to 3 to 6 feet, providing
adequate light levels to plants' lower leaves
-
(1) grounded, 15A programmable 24-hour timer,
and
Two (2) American Agrotech TurboGarden (ebb and flow
method) and accessories
-
each unit measures 24 by 36 inches
-
pump delivers nutrient solution from a remote
reservoir, drawing oxygen around plant roots. After a timed
cycle, the solution is drained back to the reservoir
-
also includes: plant nutrients, pH test
kit, LECA growing medium, UL/CSA-listed submersible pump,
programmable 24-hour timer, complete instructions, and
an assortment of vegetable and flower seeds
Approximate retail value for each package: $900.00.
Package
M-2 Classroom Uses and Equipment Details
Classroom Uses
You can change the bulb in the fixture from metal halide
to sodium.
The metal halide lamp provides light from the blue spectrum for growth, and
can be used as the sole source of light for indoor plants; the light from a
sodium
lamp is from the red spectrum, which
boosts
flowering.
The growing area provided by this light is quite large. The flood-and-drain
system is suitable for growing all kinds of plants.
Like package M-1, M-2 includes two
growing units,
allowing for side-by-side trials or friendly classroom competitions.
In addition to the activities suggested for package M-1,
the convertible light in package M-2 provides the opportunity
for students to compare
plant
responses
to
the two kinds
of
light.
Equipment Details
One (1) Hydrofarm Convertible 400-watt
metal halide grow light
Two (2) American Hydroponics Baby Bloomer (ebb and
flow) hydroponic systems and accessories
Approximate retail value for each package:
$1155.00.
© 2007
National Gardening Association