Amanda Kraft

Kraft’s innovative teaching idea, “Hydroponic Garden STEM Project,” will help students learn about life science, genetics, basic chemistry, and alternative energy sources by maintaining and caring for a hydroponic system. Students will breed guppies to learn about genetics; will test water's PH and nitrogen levels; and will grow plants that will be harvested to eat. Students will also learn about responsibility and make real-life connections to environmental issues. The middle school students will maintain the garden, but all students will be able to view and use the system as well. The hydroponic system will be a beneficial jumping off point for teachers to discuss the sciences by integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning into curriculum.