FORT CHERRY SCHOOL DISTRICT Aquaponics FORT CHERRY SCHOOL DISTRICT Dr. Trisha Craig Director of Curriculum & Instruction tcraig@fortcherry.org

What is aquaponics? Aquaponics Video - Endless Food Systems Aquaculture – raising of fish Hydroponics – growing plants in water-based system adding nutrients Aeroponics – growing plants in an air or mist environment without soil Aquaponics – growing plants in water-based system using fish to add nutrients Aquaponics Video - Endless Food Systems

Fort CherryAgricultural Science Program State-approved Vocational Program: Production Agriculture Students designated as “completers” take the NOCTI 2014-15 and 2015-16: 100% of students = Advanced Courses: Introduction to Agricultural Science Agricultural Marketing Horticulture Animal Science Veterinary Science Floral Design Agricultural Leadership & Communications Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)

Program Development Sequence Year Program Implementation 2003-04 Aquaculture -- grades 9-12 2013-14 Hydroponics -- grades 1-4 & 9-12 2014-15 Aquaponics -- grades 9-12 2016-17 Aeroponics & Microgreen systems -- grades 9-12

Aquaponics System Sanctuary 48-LS Endless Food Systems Location: Phoenix, AZ

Aquaponics System Setup

Aquaponics System – Endless Food Systems Quantity Description Unit Price Cost 1 Sanctuary 48 LS – Sand Color $3685.00 3 T5 Grow Lights $179.95 $539.85 Light Brackets $99.00 $297.00 $4521.85

Aquaponics Implementation Pros/Challenges Real world applications & experiences Great cross-curricular opportunities: Weigh fish – graphing Ph tests Overall water quality Spin-off labs: Water testing for other science classes Job/Career preparation & readiness CHALLENGES Finding fish Check permits/regulations Transporting fish Shipping costs/limitations Too many hands in water – issues with water quality Space concerns – Heat? Sunlight? Electricity? Year-long maintenance Lack of resources

Program Impact Student-centered, personalized learning Experiential learning Marketing/Entrepreneurial opportunities Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) Community, Post-Secondary, Regional, Corporate, etc. Cross-curricular learning opportunities Healthy living curricula integration