Hydroponics STEM Education Curriculum
Help students discover the unique characteristics of plants while learning the science of hydroponics.
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants with water and nutrients instead of soil.
Through our hydroponics courses, students learn about life and earth science. They build problem-solving skills, environmental awareness, technology exposure, STEM career exploration, and nutrition education.
Hydroponics Standards-Aligned
Lessons & Kits for K-12
At NextWaveSTEM®, each hydroponics course includes 15, 1-hour lessons with equipment kits aligned or supported by standards from CSTA, Common Core, ISTE, P21, and relevant state standards from Illinois, Florida, Texas, New York, and California.
K-2
Budding Botanists: For Young Gardeners
Through hands-on engaging activities, students explore many aspects of plants, their needs, and various growing conditions.
Learn about plants through photographs, examples, and explanations
Observe and document their observations in their plant journals
Create a flipbook to display their understanding
3-5
Hydroponics Systems: Gardening Without Soil
Exploring two different types of plant growth, hydroponics, and traditional gardening, students:
Learn about growth requirements and processes, seed germination and dispersal, photosynthesis, pH, food deserts, hydroponics in space, alternate plant systems, and more
Plant seeds in a classroom hydroponics garden and grow them into full-size plants
Design a future plant system to solve a problem in their community or in the world, then present it to their classmates
6-8
Grow, Learn, Thrive: For Curious Cultivators
Continuing the investigation of two distinct methods of plant cultivation, hydroponics and traditional gardening, students:
Gain knowledge on growth necessities and mechanisms
Sow seeds in a classroom hydroponics garden and nurture them to maturity
Devise a prospective plant system aimed at addressing a community or global issue, subsequently presenting it to their classmates.
9-12
Hydroponics: Agricultural Sciences
The final chapter: learn about and complete hands-on activities related to soil science, plant biology, irrigation, pest control, sustainability, Agroforestry, land management, and distribution.
Learn about sustainable farming practices and reducing environmental impact.
Efficient water use in agriculture, various irrigation techniques and the role of water management in sustainable farming.
Understand modern agricultural technologies and how to improve farming efficiency and effectiveness.
Why Hydroponics?
We believe in empowering learners with hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Our incorporation of hydroponics in STEM education offers a rich learning environment, where students can:
Develop hands-on experience in various STEM disciplines.
Cultivate problem-solving skills through practical applications.
Enhance their environmental awareness and understanding.
Explore the intersection of technology and innovation.
Discover a multitude of STEM career pathways.
Acquire knowledge about nutrition and sustainable practices.
Engage in research opportunities that bridge classroom learning with real-world challenges.
Our interdisciplinary approach to STEM education equips students with crucial skills and knowledge, preparing them for success in future STEM careers.