Project Description
An aquaponics system combines aquaculture—the cultivation of fish or other aquatic animals—with hydroponics, the method of growing plants without soil, in a single, recirculating environment. We took on this project to help reduce grocery costs for feeding our animals and to gain more control over the sourcing of our food. Through this experience, we are not only learning how to grow and care for plants, but also how to properly maintain and care for the fish housed in the system’s barrels.
Content: The top 3 things I learned from this showcase were:
The project was originally started during our junior year by Katie and Madelynn. At the beginning of our senior year, Georgia, Emma, Lexy, and Shelby joined the team. Shelby, Georgia, and Lexy entered the project with little prior knowledge, but thanks to the guidance and support of Madelynn and Emma, they quickly learned the basics of water testing and how to properly care for the fish. One key takeaway for all of us was gaining a better understanding of the time and patience required for different plants to fully mature.
Culture: This project relates or connects to my family, background, peers, community or my own personal interests in these ways:
Shelby and Madelynn were members of the Edgewood/Butler Tech FFA chapter, where they were first introduced to hydroponics—the method of growing plants without soil—prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This early exposure inspired Madelynn to take on the aquaponics project during her junior year at the Natural Science Center. Shelby, intrigued by the concept after hearing about the project, decided to join the team and became an active member of the group.
Metacognition: In reflection, one thing that I would have done differently during my journey with this showcase is:
One aspect we would approach differently is building a stronger foundational knowledge of plants to better inform our work. Additionally, we would focus on improving our public speaking skills and refining our presentation methods to more effectively communicate our ideas.
Social/Emotional: One thing I am most proud of by completing this showcase is:
We are proud of the progress we made. We have had issues with communication, plants, fish, covid and water flows. The communication was an issue with knowing when the fish were fed and when it came time to process the plants. When covid hit that’s when we were not able to continue with our project. We had to shut the whole thing down and wasn’t able to build our project and continue with our progress of growing plants.
