Hydroponics includes standards that challenge students to plan for future food needs

using advanced technologies and less space. Soil-less media are becoming increasingly

important as populations grow and farmland is consumed by urban growth.

Understanding how the benefits of hydroponics blend with environmental conservation is

important as we enter the 21st century.

Students will sign up for the Hydoponics Ning  www.lettucegrow.ning.com . All communications between students/schools will be posted there.

Learning Expectation 1

The student will assess the effects of the history of hydroponics as it relates to current crop production.

Analyze why hydroponics crop production is more prevalent in other countries than the United States,

Examine why hydroponics greenhouse vegetable production is becoming mainstream agriculture.

Evidence of Learning

    Specify important events and changes leading to modern hydroponics technology.

    Discuss reasons why there is an increase in hydroponics vegetable production.

    Describe why other countries such as Holland and England have more acreage in hydroponics     than the United States.

Assessment

    Debate the importance of hydroponics in feeding the world’s growing population.

Learning Expectation 2

The student will discuss the uses for different hydroponics growing media.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of crops grown in rockwool culture.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of crops grown in perlite culture.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of crops grown in gravel and sand based growing medium.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of crops grown in other soilless cultures.

Evidence of Learning

    Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rockwool bag culture.

    Compare the advantages and disadvantages of all other hydroponics growing mediums.

Assessment

    Calculate water-holding capacity of different mediums.

Learning Expectation 3

Students will collaboratively research and build a hydroponics system for no more than $100.00.

Evidence of Learning

    Hydroponics system will be operational.

Assessment

    Prepare a budget for the project.

Learning Expectation 4

The student will discuss the nutritional requirements for hydroponics plant growth.

Measure the levels of nutrients in solutions used for crops.

Measure and modify the pH of nutrient solutions.

Evidence of Learning

    Prepare a chart showing nutrients used. Document data and observations.

Assessment

    Conduct experiments on plants, showing the effect of various nutrient combinations on plant growth.

Learning Expectation 5

The student will develop leadership and personal growth in the area of hydroponics in the classroom.

Demonstrate public speaking abilities.

Develop favorable work ethics and teamwork skills.

Evidence of Learning

    Demonstrate public speaking abilities.

Assessment

    Develop a group presentation on hydroponics.

Learning Expectation 6

The student will integrate academic competencies in hydroponics

Science:

The student will use the scientific method for testing the success of new techniques.

Language Arts:

The student will refine public speaking and debate skills in developing presentations on hydroponics.

Perfect writing skills in developing  papers, publications and demonstrations on hydroponics.

Evidence of Learning

    Science:

    Apply the scientific method in problem solving applications.

    Language Arts:

    Use language skills in writing papers, demonstrations, speeches

    Technology

    Use Ning, Skype, word processing, spread sheets as well as web 2.0 programs.

Assessment Science

    Prepare a poster explaining the Inquiry Cycle.

Assessment Language Arts

    Write a paper detailing this hydroponics unit.

Assessment Technology

    Sign up for Ning  www.lettucegrow.ning.com . Participate in web based activities.