Growing Green

Students at our school all have significant challenges to their ability to learn and to be independent. Students have disabilities that range from moderate to severe cognitive impairment, physical impairment and autism. These disabilities radically impact all areas of their daily experiences and independence. Additionally, they live in an urban setting (Detroit) considered by many to be a food desert. As such, the experiences they have in the community are vastly different from typical developing youth, or children who grow up in a suburban setting where they may have access to more fresh food, gardens and farms.
The goal of STEM education is to increase STEM literacy—defined as the knowledge and understanding of scientific and mathematical concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity for all students. Students in our population learn by doing, experiencing, and constructing.

Through exploration, students will experience the following topics:

1. Students will be able to explain how nutrients cycle through the fish tank and soil.
2. Students will explore the difference between clean/”healthy” water and water that’s not good for the system.
3. Students will be able to identify the different inputs required for an aquaponics system versus traditional in soil system.
4. Students will be able to identify the vital components of a successful aquaponics system.
5. Students will be able to identify edible plants and parts of plants.

140

Students attended

140

Students will be impacted this year

Intended impact of project

Reduced environmental impact
Improved occupant health & performance
Increased environmental & sustainability literacy

Impact of project

Improved school nutrition
Educated on sustainable skills and practices
Educated on sustainability knowledge