US (PA): Elementary school expands aquaponics program
The third-grade science teacher annually leads lessons on water-based plant-growing techniques — hydroponics and aquaponics — that require a lot of space and a lot of attention. The school is using a grant to give Sutton and his students additional space to care for the various plants and animals.
Under construction in back of the schools is a 10x12-foot greenhouse expected to be completed before the holiday break that will house Sutton’s hydroponic and aquaponic setups. A second greenhouse will be built beside it with an anticipated spring opening.
A $5,000 grant from Chevron Corp. through the Intermediate Unit has made the expansion possible, said Sutton.
One greenhouse will house a pond stocked with coy. Above the pond will sit a floating plant bed and flow system. The other greenhouse will be used as a workshop. The greenhouses will be solar-powered and heated by propane, Sutton said.
Read more at the Herald-Standard (Eric Morris)