At Hilbert Elementary, lunchtime starts in the classroom. With sleeves rolled up and gloves on, young students at Redford Union Schools are growing leafy greens that show up later in the lunchroom as kids learn science, responsibility and even some healthy habits along the way.
Thanks to a new hydroponics program launched this year at both Hilbert and Beech elementary, the district's elementary STEAM classes are growing lettuce without soil – just water, light, curiosity and lots of smiles. The system, known as a Flex Farm from Fork Farms, allows students to grow plants indoors using a nutrient-rich water solution, LED light towers and recycled water systems.
"We have lessons from seeds to harvest," Hilbert Elementary STEAM teacher Angela Maggioncalda said. "The light tower provides the light, we have nutrients in the water, and the water is recycled. We also test the pH of the water to make sure everything is good."
The project began in January with sixth graders planting the first crop of romaine lettuce. Since then, students in first through sixth grade have gotten involved in everything from monitoring the hydroponic system to harvesting.
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