In Pine Hill Education Association (Camden County), a $5,000 grant from the NJEA Hipp Foundation was awarded to educators Amanda Natalie, Christina Dooling, Renee Gilson, Katie Bojanowski and Denise Vuono of Pine Hill Middle School. The purpose of their project is to capture student interest in alternative forms of gardening through the study of aquaponics. Students recognize the importance of alternative farming methods to create a self-sustaining home, of eating and preparing healthy foods, and of successful ways to run a business.
Students begin by identifying aquaponics and researching various forms of farming. Students identify the components of a biotic and abiotic environment, differentiate between heterotrophic and autotrophic organisms, and understand nutrient cycling. They measure levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and measure plant growth. Students construct graphs about the impact of nutrients on plant growth and generate hypotheses. With the data collected, students are able to develop a working farm stand and provide fresh vegetables to the community.
As the project continues, students replicate miniature aquaponic systems for their homes from recycled materials. The community has the opportunity to view and learn about the system at various school functions.
For more information, contact:
Amanda Natalie
856-210-0200, ext. 6234 (school)