November 9, 2017

Lesson Plan #8
Grade: 7th
Subject: Global Issues/Food Resources
Lesson Title: Making Hydroponics Possible!
Standards:
National Geography Standards

14 How human actions modify the physical environment Environment and

Society

15 How physical systems affect human systems Environment and

Society

16 The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and Environment and
importance of resources Society

Common Core State Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.A
Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw
on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on
ideas under discussion.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1.B
Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and
define individual roles as needed.
Materials:
10 empty water bottles
1 full liter of water
Planting soil (1 bag)
Yarn or wick
10 edible plants (green onions/shallots)
10 scissors
Ziploc bag full of rocks
Student journals
10 rulers
Pens and pencils
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Use knowledge of issues related to food resources and analyze own personal access to
stable, nutritious food supplies.
2. Build a modified hydroponic system that can address the cons of hydroponic farming
systems (price and resources) on a small scale.

Engage:
Bar graph surveyWho has a garden at home?
Discussion: What type of garden do you have? or Why dont you have a garden?
[Students will discuss the lack of space, lack of knowledge, or perhaps even that lack
of desire to maintain a garden in their homes in Chiang Mai]

Explore:
ReviewHomework from last night: The Pros and Cons of Hydroponics.
Lets review what we have learned about hydroponics.
What is it again? Definition
What are the pros? List
What are the cons? List
a. Make a T-chart as a whole class and add research to journals
Discussion: Do you think hydroponics would work at your house? Why or why not?
[One of the cons is how expensive and specialized hydroponic farming can be]

Explain: Make an adapted Hydroponic planter: Wick. Model step by step with
students.
a. Divide students into 10 groups
b. Have students choose 1 representative to be the runner between he
resource table and their group.
c. Have each group grab a bottle and a pair of scissors.
d. Cut the top off of the bottle (demonstrate to students)
e. Turn bottle top upside down and insert it into the bottom (demonstrate)
f. Have a runner grab a piece of string while you walk around with a hole
punch.
g. Tie string into hole and drop the other half through the bottle top into the
bottom. (Demonstrate)
h. Have students grab a Ziploc bag of rocks.
i. Put rocks in the bottle neck: To keep the soil from falling through and to
allow the water free movement.
j. Grab a cup and get a scoop of soil.
k. Put soil on top of the rocks. (Demonstrate)
l. Grab a plant and your hydroponics and go downstairs to the dirt in front
of the canteen.
m. Loosen up the soil around the green onions/shallots and gently remove
from the planter.
n. Dig a hole an inch to an inch into your hydroponic planter and replant
the bulb.
 o. Cover the top with soil to make sure the bulb isnt exposed.
p. Wet the soil with the water bottle and watch the water filter through the
dirt into the bottom of the water.
q. Clean up.
r. Return upstairs and place planters on the table.
s. Take your seats.

Discussion: How much does this process cost? What types of vegetable could you
grow at your house with this method?

Have students measure the height of their green onion and record.
(Will measure again when we come back from the weekend: Plant growth = good
means of production?)

Elaborate:
Introduce video: We all live in the city, Chiang Mai, and in some places there is a lot of
space and some places, not so much. We are going to look at how hydroponics can
help us in urban homes, apartments, condos, etc. on a larger scale as well, with a
traditional hydroponics system.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqcBCcSLDlo
And video hand out
Discuss Video

Evaluate:
Conclude Lesson (We will discuss data from food surveys next classhow far we live,
what ingredients we buy the most, how often we shop, etc.)

Your homework for tonight will be to: Find 2 other cheaper versions of hydroponics
that people use in their homes and classrooms. We will also be touring Mr. Davids
hydroponic garden and be adding our green onions to the community harvest!

Exit ticket: How do hydroponics help conserve water resources?