AQUAPONICS IN STEMM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATHEMATICS AND MEDICINE) EDUCATION IN PHOENIX ARIZONA

George B. Brooks, Jr.

RighTrac Inc
7802 S. 14th St
Phoenix Arizona 85042
george@rightracinc.com
The Arizona Department of Health Services has identified school gardens as a powerful means of hands-on instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) disciplines that also works to address student health issues including obesity and diabetes that impede their ability to achieve. Along with traditional in-soil gardens, aquaponics is a powerful and cost effective new educational tool that is now being applied within schools in the metropolitan area of Phoenix Arizona.

Aquaponics may be described as a combination of recirculating and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) where hydroponically grown plants provide all or part of the systems filtration. Along with affording part the bacterial substrate needed for effective nitrification, the plants use the resulting nitrate as fertilizer promoting their growth. The ability for aquaponics to be applied in a compact and cost effective format within classrooms makes it an excellent teaching tool. STEMM disciplines that have been addressed through aquaponics include biology, ecology, zoology, botany, microbiology, sustainability, agriculture, engineering, computer technology, nutrition, chemistry, mathematics & physics. Corollary disciplines including English, reading, writing, critical thinking, logic, innovation and public speaking are also enhanced. Finally the skills learned in aquaponics and traditional gardening are directly transferable to home use providing additional value to the family of the student. To enhance this opportunity for technology transfer, workshops were also offered on new, innovative and nutritious preparations for the food that could be grown at home.