Boyd E. Smith students are trading pencils for plants in an exciting hands-on science project! Led by 3rd-grade teacher Lisa Holt-Taylor, students are exploring hydroponics—a method of growing plants without soil.
The inspiration for this project began last January when a teacher attended the SECO (Science Education Council of Ohio) workshop. A session on hydroponics sparked an interest that led to further research and participation in a professional development program at Crop King in Lodi, Ohio. This deep dive into hydroponics revealed its potential as a valuable educational tool, allowing students to study plant lifecycles year-round, regardless of weather and time constraints.
In early October, the hydroponic system was set up, marking the beginning of an engaging, hands-on learning experience for students. The project started with an exploration of plant needs—light, water, nutrients, space, and air—as well as seed germination. Students conducted hands-on experiments to examine how light and heat impact germination, using lima beans and lettuce seeds. After observing the germination process, the lettuce seedlings were transferred into the hydroponic system, while the lima beans were planted in soil for comparison.
Currently, students are conducting an experiment prompted by a class discussion on plant survival. When a student remarked that plants only needed water to grow, the class realized there was a misconception—plants also require nutrients, which are typically provided by soil. To test this, students are monitoring two trays of lettuce: one receiving nutrients in its hydroponic water and the other without added nutrients. Throughout the experiment, students carefully document their observations and collect data on nutrient levels and pH balance, deepening their understanding of plant growth and development.
The next phase of the project will introduce a second hydroponic system, known as deep water culture (DWC), to grow squash and study pollination. Without bees to pollinate the plants, students will take on the role of pollinators, gaining firsthand experience in plant reproduction. Additionally, the class will compare the growth of squash in the hydroponic system versus traditional soil planting. To wrap up the year, students will germinate seeds to take home and transplant, continuing their learning beyond the classroom.
This hydroponics project has been a remarkable journey of discovery, experimentation, and collaboration. Students are actively engaging in scientific inquiry, testing hypotheses, and broadening their knowledge of plant biology. As the year progresses, they will continue to explore, learn, and innovate—gaining skills that will last a lifetime.