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Growing Success: WMU students dig into hydroponics thanks to RPP grant
Students learn sustainability and nutrition through hands-on hydroponic gardening
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WINFIELD — The Winfield-Mt. Union (WMU) Community School District's Family and Consumer Science (FCS) program, led by Amber Beard, has added a hydroponic system to its classroom thanks to a minigrant over $2,000 from the Regional Planning Partnership (RPP). The system currently cultivates lettuce, spinach, basil, and kale.
With hydroponics students can help cultivate fresh produce year-round with a sustainable agriculture practice. Adding the hydroponics system to the classroom offers hands-on experience expands educational opportunities for WMU FCS as they learn about this method of growing plants which does not a whole plot of soil.
Not only does the hydroponic system allows plants to grow faster and, in less space, compared to traditional gardening methods, but also will give the WMU FCS program more resources as Beard plans for students to harvest the produce and use it in classroom kitchen labs for various recipes.
The benefits of hydroponic systems extend beyond the classroom. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hydroponic systems use up to 90% less water than traditional farming and allow crops to grow in controlled environments, reducing the impact of pests and adverse weather conditions. The USDA also notes that controlled environment agriculture, including hydroponics, can help address food security challenges by enabling food production in urban and resource-limited settings.
The positive impact could also stretch beyond the FCS program as Beard plans to donate any surplus produce to the school cafeteria to support the breakfast and lunch programs. The integration of hydroponically grown vegetables into the school cafeteria's meal offerings promotes healthier eating habits among students and staff. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a more nutritious diet.
WMU student Kassydee Newsome helped Beard successfully present their grant application to the RPP board, which approved the request. The hope is that this initiative enriches the educational experience of WMU students and fosters a greater understanding of sustainable practices and self-sufficiency.
With this newest addition to WMU’s FCS program, Students will gain practical skills in plant care, nutrient management, and sustainable agriculture practices. This hands-on experience not only enhances their understanding of biological processes but also introduces potential career paths in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental sciences.
The implementation of the hydroponic system supports WMU's commitment to experiential learning as seen in other programs offered in the district such as career and technical programs in several service areas, including Agricultural Education, Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Industrial Education.
These programs aim to equip students with practical knowledge and skills that prepare them for future academic and career endeavors.
The RPP grant that made this addition possible helps school districts deliver high-quality secondary career and technical education programs. These partnerships promote collaboration among local school districts, community colleges, and industry representatives to enhance career and technical education. Schools can use RPP funds for professional development, career guidance systems, and the purchase of equipment and curricular resources, including standard classroom consumable supplies directly related to course curricula, according to the Iowa Department of Education.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
