Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School students had fun during the hydroponics unit
Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School students had fun during the hydroponics unit 

Fourth Graders Study Hydroponics at Jack Abrams STEM

October 11, 2023

There’s always something exciting happening at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School. This year, every fourth grade class in the building was given a hydroponic system for their room.

“Throughout the year, the classes will work with different nutrients and wave lengths of light to determine their impact on plant growth,” Principal Donna Moro said. “Although every class will be doing this activity, teachers Janet Dugan and Christopher Dugan’s class was the first to harvest their crop.”

The two teachers have been turning their fourth grade classroom into a science laboratory, not just for learning, but for growing delicious and nutritious treats. Armed with curiosity and a hydroponic system, the class embarked on an exciting journey to cultivate Buttercrunch lettuce. Their hard work recently paid off when they harvested a bountiful crop and even turned it into mouth-watering smoothies

“These hydroponic systems were made possible by a generous donation and will help our students prepare for the new New York State Science Assessment, which requires investigations related to the cycles in life sciences,” Ms. Moro said.

Hydroponics is an innovative method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions instead. Under the guidance of their enthusiastic teachers, the fourth-grade students embraced this technology to cultivate lettuce in their classroom.

“Hydroponics not only teaches students about plant growth from seed to plant, but also instills a sense of responsibility as they care for their crops,” Mrs. Blitz said. “It’s a hands-on learning opportunity that they won’t soon forget.”

The journey began with planting Buttercrunch lettuce seeds in small hydroponic pods. Over the weeks, the class closely monitored the plants growth, adjusting nutrient levels and ensuring proper light exposure. Their dedication and hard work paid off as the lettuce flourished, resulting in a lush green oasis within their classroom.

A significant milestone was reached when the class harvested their Buttercrunch lettuce crop. The excitement was palpable as the students plucked the fresh leaves from the hydroponic system, carefully washing them and preparing for a unique tasting experience. As the students tasted the lettuce, their faces lit up with delight. The Buttercrunch lettuce they had nurtured and grown tasted fresher and crisper than anything they had ever bought from a store. They munched away, savoring the fruits of their labor.

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Teacher Christopher Dugan joined in the fun 

Mrs. Blitz and Mr. Dugan encouraged their students to be adventurous with their lettuce. “We're not just growing lettuce; we’re exploring the wonderful world of culinary possibilities,” Mr. Dugan said.

In a whirl of excitement, the class decided to take things a step further and incorporate their homegrown Buttercrunch lettuce into fruit smoothies. The fourth graders blended the lettuce with various fruits and yogurt to create delicious and nutritious smoothies.

Class parent Gina Leiter reached out to the classroom teachers to say,

“I just wanted to let you know that Madeline came off the bus so excited about the science morning and the smoothies,” class parent Gina Leiter wrote to the teachers. “She actually just made us one with the lettuce she brought home and is currently researching small hydroponics kits as a birthday present and wants to grow lettuce in her room. Talk about making an impact… thank you!”

Both teachers agreed that by experiencing the journey from seed to harvest, students gained a deeper appreciation for the food they eat. The youngsters have also learned about sustainability and the potential of hydroponic systems to provide fresh produce even in urban settings.

“Our fourth-grade class has certainly demonstrated that science can be both educational and delicious,” Mrs. Blitz said. “Their hydroponic adventure with Buttercrunch lettuce not only taught them valuable lessons about plant growth but also ignited a passion for healthy eating and sustainability.”

As these young green thumbs continue to nurture their curiosity, their teachers look forward to having them use the classroom hydroponic system to grow basil. “Perhaps they’ll inspire others to explore the world of hydroponics and discover the joys of growing their own food,” Mr. Dugan said.