In a first-of-its-kind project for New Haven schools, entrepreneurial students transformed a repurposed shipping container into a fully-operational, climate-controlled indoor mushroom farm. They created a "living laboratory where science, technology, and entrepreneurship meet."
The student-run enterprise at High School in the Community, known as Harvest Scholars Company, is redefining what it means to "learn by doing," the district noted in a news release.
Inside the 40-foot container, students monitor temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels using smart sensors and automated systems to create the ideal environment for growing gourmet mushrooms. From designing the grow space and preparing substrate to harvesting and packaging, students are managing the entire production process—combining biology, environmental science, and business skills in a real-world context. Harvest Scholars Company-grown mushrooms are for sale, but theyr are also a "bridge to community connection."
According to the school district, students plan to share harvests with residents, inviting them to taste, cook with, and provide feedback on the flavor and texture of the mushrooms. Community members are encouraged to share their recipes and cultural food traditions, helping students learn how science, food, and culture intersect.
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