TAYLOR RIDGE, Ill. — On Earth Day, April 22, students from Rockridge High School will host an interactive Agriculture Day and harvest the first haul from their inaugural hydroponic farm.
For the last few months, high school students have been maintaining a mobile hydropic growing station, known as a Fork Farms Flex Farm system, thanks to a Grants for Growing grant.
The students have used the system to grow lettuce, peas, cucumbers, broccoli, basil and tomatoes.
A Flex Farm allows one to grow produce indoors, year-round, in a small space. The system uses minimal water and energy and can yield more than 25 pounds of leafy greens in less than a month.
According to Fork Farms, one hydroponic system provides 45 times more food production while using 98% less water and land when compared to traditional farming.
"By teaching agriculture at a young age, kids can start recognizing how it impacts the world around them. They gain impactful learnings about where their food comes from, sustainability, community and much more," said a press release from Fork Farms.
To celebrate the occasion, the students will also be hosting an educational event on April 22 for about 500 elementary kids from Illinois City, Taylor Ridge and Andalusia. There will be a classroom lesson, greenhouse activities, in introduction to farm equipment, an animal petting zoo and the hydroponic harvesting.
"Growing hydroponically serves as a powerful educational tool in classrooms. By combining hands-on experimentation, interdisciplinary learning, and technology, hydroponics provides opportunities for students' STEM engagement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills," the press release continued.
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