Kaukauna Middle School Students Dive into Exciting Hands-On Food Production Experience

For Nick Mees, a science teacher at Riverview Middle School, things just got a whole lot greener. His classroom recently became the proud home of a $5,000 EdRack hydroponic growing system. This exciting opportunity is transforming how his seventh and eighth graders learn about food and science.

Instead of just reading about plants, his students are now growing them right in their classroom. Just a few days after setting up the system, they were planting lettuce and basil. Watching seeds sprout has helped them understand that agriculture isn’t just about farms far away—it’s happening right in front of them.

“We’re thrilled to have this new tool,” said Mees. “We have so many ideas for how to use it in our lessons.” The hydroponic system allows students to see the entire process of growing plants in a controlled environment. This hands-on experience makes lessons on plant biology, sustainability, and food production feel real and exciting. It connects science with math and problem-solving, giving students a better understanding of food origins.

The system was made possible through a collaboration between Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom and RAYN Growing Systems, coinciding with National Agriculture Day. Along with the equipment, Mees will receive training to seamlessly weave the system into his curriculum. For his students, it means daily interaction with living plants and a clearer view of how agriculture and technology shape our world.

Beth Schaefer, AITC Program Coordinator, emphasized the significance of this giveaway. “It’s not just about giving equipment; it’s about providing students with hands-on agricultural experiences,” she said. The giveaway attracted many teachers from across the state, all eager to enhance agricultural learning. Mees’s classroom can now serve as a model for how innovative tools can deeply engage students and help them understand where their food comes from.

According to a recent study by the National Gardening Association, 35% of kids aged 6-12 are now interested in gardening and growing their own food. This trend reflects a growing awareness among young people about healthy eating and sustainability.

By incorporating practical experiences like hydroponics, educators are not just teaching academic subjects—they’re inspiring the next generation to appreciate and engage with agriculture in meaningful ways.

For more information, check out the Wisconsin State Farmer article.

Source link

hydroponic growing system, Riverview Middle School, Nick Mees, students