Design

Our goal is to redesign the operations manual in an interactive, more coherent format, which will be both available online on the existing NYSW’s teaching center portal and in a printed paperbound binder. We want to provide teachers with quick, easy-to-digest information to address their immediate needs in the hydroponic lab classroom, so they can continue to keep their students engaged and the instruction flowing smoothly. When technical issues unexpectedly arise during class, teachers can quickly flip through the printed manual and scan the QR codes to immediate activate an in-depth resource on their phones. When not in the classroom, teachers can leisurely browse the online manual for interactive lesson tools, such as plant growth simulations, enhanced video tutorials, or request (or give) advice from other teachers on the private forum. By focusing on clarity of information, organizing from absolute beginner to expert hydroponic skills, teachers will be able to absorb NYSW’s information in a quicker, more efficient manner. Therefore, our learning designs will focus on closing knowledge, skills, and communication gaps.

Teachers will be able to grow and maintain the care of hydroponic plants, in order to provide a continuous, controlled hands-on learning experience for their students.

For our project, teacher's should be able to:

• • • Identify the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system and all of its connecting parts.

    • Explain how the process of NFT and how the system allocates water and nutrients to plant roots.

    • Recall general safety, chemical, and electrical hazard prevention tips while working in the lab.

    • Measure and adjust ideal water pH levels and nutrient solutions.

    • Sprout green leafy plants seeds in the seedling trays.

    • Transplant seedlings into NFT system.

    • Complete daily and monthly maintenance routines on the NFT and plant care to prevent illness and insects.

    • Identify common plant health problems and apply eco-friendly remedies.

    • Locate NYSW resources to immediately troubleshoot NFT system issues.

    • Navigate the Teacher's Forum and post or comment on hydroponic advice, photos, lesson plans, etc.