From classroom to cafeteria

CASTALIA — Margaretta's Polar Bears are feeding the den through vertical farming. Thanks to Christine Smith, a sixth- and seventh-grade science teacher at Margaretta Middle School, the district is growing its own food for its cafeteria. Smith was responsible for implementing a Flex Farm hydroponics system, a portable indoor growing system. The project began in 2024 when she sought ways to connect her agricultural background to her classroom. "I grew up in a farming family, so agriculture and the love of all things green have been a passion of mine since an early age," Smith said. "The outdoor growing space is limited here at Margaretta, so I attempted to find an indoor solution for my classroom. A Google search directed me to vertical farming, a perfect solution for implementing hydroponics to my students as a farming and educational area of study." Hydroponics is the method of growing without soil, according to Smith. She listed several benefits to this technique, like maximizing space, conserving water, achieving a higher yield, faster growth and year-round production. Once she decided to explore hydroponics, the next step was funding. Smith was awarded a grant through the Wightman-Wieber Foundation, then worked with Lindsay Miller, another middle school teacher, who helped Smith incorporate the system into their classrooms. Not only do the farm stands allow students to monitor pH and nutrient levels in the water, but they can also harvest what the plants produce. So far, the students have collected more than 75 pounds of lettuce, 75 cucumbers, 510 cherry tomatoes and basil. There is soon to be a large harvest of mini red peppers, according to Smith. "A unique feature of this initiative is the ability to cultivate vegetables for use in our school's food service program," Smith said. Based on Smith's research from 2022 data, the district bought lettuce for $1.37 per pound and went through 40 pounds to 60 pounds a week. In 37 weeks of school, this equates to about $3,000 spent on lettuce. More than a food source The system is not just good for feeding the students. It also provides educational experiences inside and out of the classroom. The students entered an advertising campaign hosted by Fork Farms, a Wisconsin-based company that sells the Flex Farm system, after the first harvest. Students were tasked with creating posters and student Anna Christman was awarded first place, winning the grand prize of an additional hydroponics stand. The district was in need of a third hydroponics stand, and Smith was determined to get it. She turned to the Mylander Foundation and was awarded the money to make another purchase and put a farm in high school. Hydroponics is used as a way for students to show what they know, rather than memorizing information in several areas of study. "Our 563 students in the middle school and high school greatly benefit from our indoor farm that supports our Margaretta science program," Smith said. "The experience of learning how to use hydroponics to grow edible plants in the classroom improves our students' knowledge of agricultural, math, science, social studies and life skills." Growing young minds Smith provided examples of how hydroponics intersects with subjects taught in the classroom: • Science: Seed germination, identifying the difference between planting in rockwool and soil, food miles, sustainability, nutrients and pH, composting our plant waste, earthworms and earthworm dissection • Math: Comparing the areas of vertical farming and traditional farming • Social studies: Ancient vertical farming originating with early, ingenious methods to maximize food production in limited or challenging spaces. A combination of math and science is used when the students garden the hydroponic stands when students, for example: • Use scientific equipment for water samples and determining adjustments • Mix nutrients, monitoring pH and checking for disease and deficiencies • Use ratios and proportions to calculate how much nutrients is needed and when determining how to balance pH • Troubleshoot issues, find solutions and make prevention plans • Make inferences on the amount of light needed• Research plant needs and making decisions for the best growth Join the club Smith recognized high school student Tre McGraw for the support he has given to the hydroponics project. After taking environmental science last year and early this school year, he wanted to continue his involvement in the subject. Since then, he has taken a leadership role in planting, monitoring and harvesting. On his own time, McGraw goes to teacher Brian Ringholz's classroom to check the water, nutrients and pH of the system and changes the water every month. Smith also created a Hydroponics Club dedicated to the systems. During the monthly "Margaretta Chill Zone" activity period, students meet to decide what to plant and the planting, harvesting and sanitizing. The project is supported by district officials, including the board of education, superintendent Ed Kurt, middle school and high school administration Jen Theis and Mike Roberts and food service director Carrie Keller, according to Smith. "They continue to provide support, allowing our hydroponics program to become more sustainable, engage students in hands-on learning and can even contribute fresh food to the school community," Smith said.