GROW YOUR OWN HYDROPONICS

Grow Your Own Hydroponics is financed by the National STEM Community Fund of Esplora Interactive Science Centre (Malta Council of Science and Technology) on behalf of the National STEM Engagement Working Group

Hydroponics a running log

Growing Plants and Minds

We understand that tomorrow's challenges demand innovative solutions today. An innovative future-proof, hands-on approach to farming and learning. Soilless growing embraces technology and resource efficiency Stepping into a future where students become agents of sustainability.

  • Growing food sustainably, reducing waste, water usage, and carbon footprint.
  • Nurturing a culture of healthy eating and nutritional awareness.
  • Fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
  • Our students are witnessing the entire growth process right before their eyes. They actively engage in observing and understanding plant development.

This is a STEM project that helps our children discover real-world applications, spark their creativity and develop 21st-century skills including productivity, social skills, communication, flexibility and initiative.

This STEM project emphasizes collaboration and teamwork - the foundation for effective group work by encouraging both independent thinking and problem-solving as part of a larger team.

novemebr 2023: Students, from the Junior School and the Senior School taking part in this project started meeting during a Mid-Day Break Club to learn about Hydroponics.

december 2023: The following step was to start practicing growing small plants. This process helped the students to understand the process needed to prepare the pots.

De La Salle College teamed up with Green Our Planet, which specialises in introducing hydroponic systems in schools. They supplied valuable documentation which served as the knowledge base for this project.

december 2023: Students started recording germination and studying growth rates.

Students during the mid-day break club learning about hydroponics and germination processes.

january 2024: The next step was to start designing the hydroponic system to be built. Extensive research was done to find the best design which primarily needed to be easily built by the students with the help of the staff at school.

Analysis of different setups which can be implemented. The design after testing was a simple tray system depicted above.

february 2024: Meanwhile, the students actively participated in spreading awareness about the project within the school community. They accomplished this during Parent's Day and through a community outreach activity at the local market.

Dissemination during Parents' Day
Dissemination of the project at Birgu Market Place in front of the school.
Students of the Junior School setting up the permanent exhibition in the school foyer.

MARCH 2024: Students were also given the opportunity to visit industrial hydroponic facilities.

The students visited Il-Kampanjol Hydroponics

MARCH 2024 (ONGOING): students continued to actively work on assembling and preparing the hydroponic setup, which will be strategically placed across the school premises.

Calculating the amount of water needed in every setup. This will also help the students to calculate the amount of nutrients to be placed in each setup.
Another process needed before setting up the systems. Cleaning the pebbles which will be placed into the system.
Students installed the piping system and prepared the pods with artificial pebbles.
Secondary students were setting up the hydroponic setup.
Students, learning how to use the ph and ec meters. We also checked the ph and ec of the water we will be use if in our hydroponic system

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUILD YOUR OWN HYDROPINIC? FOLLOW THE VIDEO CAST BELOW