Progress 06/01/05 to 05/31/07
Outputs
The Development of Hydroponics for High School Horticulture Curriculum project has had a successful second year. Based on lessons learned in the first year of implementation, students were able to be more productive this year. Specifically, by using less growing medium, improving pollination technique, increasing pruning, and planting fewer plants, students were able to better meet the nutritional needs of the plants and experience a higher crop yield.
PRODUCTS: The products of the project are an ongoing, updated hydroponics curriculum that was taught to 10 students and four dissemination activities described below.
OUTCOMES: The outcome of the project was increased knowledge among students of the scientific principles underpinning hydroponic production.
DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The dissemintation activities included the following: a speaking presentation on the project to 25 attendees at the National Association of Agriculture Educators convention; a poster presentation on the project to 100 attendees at the National Association of Agriculture Educators convention; distribution of 80 information packets on the project and the curriculum to attendees at the National Association of Agriculture Educators convention; 10 parents visited the classroom to observe the hydroponics equipment and process; and, hydroponically grown produce was distributed to school staff and students and used in the school kitchen.
FUTURE INITIATIVES: The curriculum will continue to be implemented yearly. Projected enrollment is expected to increase to 14 for the 2007-08 school year.
Impacts
The impacts of the project are as follows: increased knowledge of scientific priniciples undergirding hydroponic produce production; multiple local and national dissemination activities; and, projected increase in enrollment for 2007-08.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 06/01/05 to 05/31/06
Outputs
The Development of Hydroponics for High School Horticulture Curriculum project is a success. G. VonRuden developed a hydroponics curriculum, had it reviewed by a University of Wisconsin-River Falls faculty member, obtained training from a hydroponics industry expert, ordered and assembled necessary curriculum supplies, and implemented the hydroponics curriculum with eight students in the initial year of the program. PRODUCTS: The products of the project are an updated horticulture hydroponics unit and seven disseminiation activities (described below). OUTCOMES: The outcomes of this project are a 68 percent increase in student knowledge of hydroponics as measured by a pre- and post-test and increased knowledge within the community about hydroponics. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: Seven dissemination activities have taken place to date. Roger Swanson, Ph.D., faculty at the University of Wisconsin River Falls, reviewed the curriculum and provided feedback. Fifteen members of
the local Future Farmers of America Alumni Club participated in a site visit and question and answer session regarding hydroponics. Ten members of the Western Technical College Young Farmer's class discussed hydroponics as part of their course topics (course held at Brookwwod High School in the hypdroponics lab/agriculture classroom). The school administrators (High School Principal and Superintendent) have participated in a question and answer session regarding hydroponics with the agriculture educator and the project is scheduled to be presented to the Board of Education in August or Septmeber, 2006. Elementary school students (grades K-6) learned about hydroponics as part of a combined curriculum activity with High School horticulture students. The County Line local newspaper published a brief feature and photo on the project. Two grant writers contacted the Distirct for information on grant preparation and implementation. Copies of the grant application were shared with both
Districts. Mr. VonRuden (Project Director) developed a summary document on the course of study and student activities and outcomes. He distributed it to the University of Wisconsin Monroe County Extension Agriculture Agent, Hermes Floral, Tomato Patch Hydroponic Growers, and other interested groups along with an offer to provide additional information. He also volunteered to provide a hydroponics presentation at the Wisconsin Agriculture Educator's Conference but was not selected this year. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The hydroponics unit will continue to be taught within the horticulture curriculum. Enrollment is anticipated to increase to 12-14 students for the 2006-07 school year.
Impacts
The impacts of the project are improved knowledge and understanding of hydroponics as measured by pre- and post-test, a community that is better informed about hydroponics, and an informal network of hydroponic enthusiasts and industry participants who are aware of the resources and information available from the Project Director.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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