Eduponics Educational Visit Report:
Zwelihle Primary School at Stellenbosch University Welgevallen Experimental Farm
Date of Visit: Monday, 24 March 2024
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Location: Stellenbosch University Welgevallen Experimental Farm
Group: 34 Grade 6 & 7 students and 2 educators from Zwelihle Primary School, Hermanus
Purpose: Educational tour and practical demonstrations on aquaponic farming and sustainability
Context: Part of a prize awarded to two students for their hydroponic precision irrigation jet developed at the 2024 Eskom Young Innovators Expo.
Objectives of the Visit
Introduction to Farming Systems
To provide an introductory comparison between traditional soil based agriculture techniques, aquaponic and hydroponic systems, with an emphasis on Sustainability.
Sustainability Education
To explore the importance of sustainability in food security, water conservation, and biodiversity.
Water Quality Management
To educate students on water quality management and its role in sustainable farming practices.
Curriculum Integration
To integrate theoretical content from the Natural Sciences and Technology curriculum into practical learning experiences.
Detailed Lesson Plan and Activities:
Welcome and Farm Tour
Welcome and Introduction (10 minutes)
Objective: Establish a positive learning environment and outline the day's activities.
Activity: Warm welcome of the students and introduction of the Eduponics team. Overview of the agenda for the day, highlighting key learning objectives, including sustainability, aquaponics, water management, and the relationship between these topics and their classroom studies.
Farm Tour and Introduction to Farming Systems (45 minutes)
Objective: Provide students with an understanding of traditional agriculture, hydroponics, and aquaponics.
Activity: Traditional Agriculture Systems: A brief introduction to traditional farming methods and their limitations in terms of sustainability and water usage. Hydroponic Systems: Explanation of hydroponic farming, its benefits, and how it works.
Aquaponic Systems:
Introduction to aquaponics, where students observed how fish and plants work together in a closed-loop system, supporting each other's growth. Practical Demonstrations: Demonstrations of each system and discussion on how these contribute to sustainability, with a focus on water conservation, food security, and biodiversity.
Introduction to aquaponics, where students observed how fish and plants work together in a closed-loop system, supporting each other's growth. Practical Demonstrations: Demonstrations of each system and discussion on how these contribute to sustainability, with a focus on water conservation, food security, and biodiversity.
Planting and Water Quality Management
Planting Exercise (45 minutes)
Objective: Engage students in hands-on learning and emphasize the importance of aquaponics in food production.
Activity: Students paired up and planted a 1m² section of an aquaponic system.
Learning Outcome:
- Understanding the process of planting in a soilless system.
- Discussing the role of plants in the aquaponic cycle and their relationship with the fish in the system.
- Emphasizing sustainability and food security.
Water Quality Management Lesson (30 minutes)
Objective: Educate students on the importance of water quality and its role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Activity: Introduction to water quality management, including practical demonstrations of water testing.
Learning Outcome:
- Understanding the physical and chemical properties of water.
- Practical skills in testing pH, ammonia levels, and other water parameters.
- Emphasis on the importance of water conservation and maintaining sustainable water consumption practices.
Interactive Activities
Interactive Ecosystem Activity (30 minutes)
Objective: Demonstrate the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of changes to individual species.
Activity: Students participated in an interactive activity where they stood in a circle representing the Earth and its various ecosystems. Through role-play, they simulated how the removal or strain on a single species can affect others in the ecosystem.
Learning Outcome: Understanding the balance in ecosystems and the delicate interdependence of species. Relating ecosystem health to sustainability in farming and nature conservation.
Mini Aquaponics Living Lab Kit Demonstration (20 minutes)
Objective: Introduce students to the Eduponics Mini Aquaponics Aquaranger kit for classrooms.
Activity: Demonstration of the Aquaranger kit, showcasing its simplicity and potential for classroom use.
Learning Outcome: Providing students with an affordable and easy-to-use tool to create and manage small-scale aquaponic systems. Encouraging innovation and hands-on learning in classrooms.
Reflection and Tasting
Reflection Session and Tasting (20 minutes)
Objective: Conclude the visit with a reflection on what was learned and allow students to experience the fruits of aquaponic farming.
Activity: A reflection discussion where students shared their thoughts and feelings about the day's experience. Tasting of freshly harvested cucumbers and cocktail tomatoes from the aquaponic system.
Learning Outcome: Reinforce the benefits of aquaponics in providing fresh, healthy produce. Encourage appreciation for sustainable farming practices.
Educational Outcomes
By the end of the visit, the students had achieved the following outcomes:
Educational Outcomes
Engagement with Innovation and Technology
Hands-on experience with innovative tools for accessible aquaponic farming.
Understanding Ecosystem Interconnectedness
Interactive learning about how changes affect entire ecosystems.
Enhanced Understanding of Water Quality Management
Practical water testing techniques for ecosystem sustainability.
Awareness of Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Understanding sustainable food production and conservation practices.
Practical Knowledge of Aquaponics and Hydroponics
Firsthand experience with sustainable farming systems.
By the end of the visit, students gained practical knowledge and awareness in key areas of sustainable farming.
Feedback and Conclusion
Student Engagement
Students showed strong understanding and curiosity, eagerly participating in aquaponics activities.
Educator Feedback
Educators were impressed by the visit, expanding their understanding of aquaponics and sustainability.
Future Recommendations
Expand outreach programs to offer similar experiences to other schools, instilling sustainability principles.
Conclusion
The visit enriched students' knowledge, inspiring critical thinking about innovation and sustainability.
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