Theme: STEM Innovation in Urban Farming
1️⃣What is STEM?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
2️⃣What is a STEM activity in school?
STEM activities are creative experiments and projects that can teach real scientific principles in a fun, hands-on way
3️⃣What is a STEM in agriculture?
SCIENCE – Scientists are constantly working to improve seeds to better withstand different weather conditions (e.g. wind and drought) and overall improve yield. Farmers do a number of scientific tests throughout the year to ensure all of their management practices are optimal. These tests include things like soil samples, water quality samples, moisture testing harvested grain in the fall, feed particle size for livestock operations, and the list goes on.
TECHNOLOGY – You can hardly open a farming magazine today without an article on new technology. Precision farming technologies are being used in much of the equipment today to auto-steer equipment and attachments with increasing precision and accuracy, vary the rate of seeds and fertilizer, and send alerts or messages to farm managers. Drones are being used for crop scouting and monitoring farm areas more efficiently. Technology has also increased for livestock operations with hardware and software to monitor everything from feed ordering to building maintenance issues. A number of farmers are also looking at installing solar panels around their operations for energy.
ENGINEERING – Engineering is designing and building a new or improved product or process. Farmers do this on a regular basis. They may modify a tool bar to better meet their needs, design a new grain leg, or modify a sprayer to plant cover crops. Farmers are also documenting their processes and looking for ways to improve efficiency.
MATH – Math is something that is definitely used on a daily basis. Farming is a business which requires solid financials to remain competitive in today’s environment. In addition to financial performance farmers are constantly doing mathematical calculations to determine everything from acres of coverage to bushels of grain
(source: https://www.lathamseeds.com/2015/04/finding-the-stem-in-farming/)
4️⃣The Benefits of Urban Farming in Schools:
The urban farming practice in schools boosts learning and engagement, and creates awareness among students about wellbeing and green issues. The successful implementation of the program at educational institutions has garnered the support of Local Government Departments, Urban Local Governments and Department of Education. To support the livelihood of the local community is one of the long term goals of urban agriculture program. Beginning with a school activity may seem like an insignificant step, but the goals of these activities are far reaching and part of a national effort to create healthier food systems.
5️⃣What is an example of urban farming?
Urban farming can include HYDROPONIC or AQUAPONIC or VERTICAL TOWER (e.g., integrating fish farming and agriculture)
