1. FORT CHERRY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Aquaponics
FORT CHERRY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. Trisha Craig
Director of Curriculum & Instruction

2. 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

3. Fort CherryAgricultural Science Program
State-approved Vocational Program: Production Agriculture
Students designated as “completers” take the NOCTI
and : 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)

4. Program Development Sequence
Year
Program Implementation
Aquaculture -- grades 9-12
Hydroponics -- grades 1-4 & 9-12
Aquaponics -- grades 9-12
Aeroponics & Microgreen systems -- grades 9-12

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

6. Aquaponics System Setup

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

9. 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

10. 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