Shawnee High School students are getting hands-on experience in science through a hydroponic gardening project. At the start of the 2026 spring semester, students grew fresh lettuce through a hydroponic system without the use of soil.
The project, Flex Farm, is led by Environmental Science teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Allen. The goal of the project is to introduce students to hydroponics which is a method of growing plants using nutrient-rich water and not soil. By monitoring water quality, light exposure, and plant growth, students are learning valuable skills in science, technology, and environmental awareness.
© Clark Shawnee Local School District
"I wanted students to have an authentic and hands-on way to experience science," said Allen. "With hydroponics, they grow plants right in the classroom instead of missing the growing season like with a traditional garden. They also solved real problems when things did not go as planned, which is what makes it meaningful. It is not just following steps, it is actually doing science."
The Flex Farm grows plants in a controlled environment using water instead of soil. The water contains nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that circulate through the hydroponic system.
Students began the project by assembling the Flex Farm. They built each piece from the water pump and drip lines to the root chambers and grow lights. They planted the lettuce seeds in rockwool to help with early seedling growth. Within just a few days the seedlings sprouted and were ready to be moved into the Flex Farm.
© Clark Shawnee Local School District
"This project does not feel like traditional schoolwork. It feels more like exploration, but it's still meaningful and educational," Allen explained. "They are most engaged when they can move, solve problems, and be actively involved. Students enjoy testing water quality and working with the system and seedlings because it is real. They get so wrapped up in the process that I think they forget they are doing real science."
Once the seedlings were transitioned to the hydroponic unit, the grow lights were turned on within the system. The Flex Farm was relocated from Mrs. Allen's classroom to the high school and middle school lobby so that all students, staff, and visitors could see the progress of the seedlings.
Within just a few weeks, the lettuce was ready to be harvested by the students. Working with the cafeteria staff, the lettuce was a salad option for both students and staff. They also sent some lettuce home with those interested.
© Clark Shawnee Local School District
"Everyone enjoyed seeing the Flex Farm in the lobby," said Allen. "The bright lights immediately caught people's attention, and they were amazed at how quickly the plants grew and how fast we were able to harvest. Several people even asked about purchasing something like it for their home. When we harvested, the whole lobby smelled like fresh-cut plants, which really drew people in. Teachers and students were excited to take lettuce home, and we even used some to make salads here, which were delicious."
The students harvested both lettuce and basil this week, with plans to try mini tomatoes and mini cucumbers after Spring Break.
The hydroponics unit was purchased with a grant awarded by Battelle and the Ohio STEM Learning Network. The grant was available to Ohio public schools with a qualifying fiscal agent. Over 165 schools in 68 counties received awards.
Mrs. Elizabeth Allen submitted the project and was selected by the Ohio STEM Learning Network as a Hall of Inspiration presenter at the 2026 Ohio STEM Innovation Summit for this project. The summit will be June 9, 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Presenters will create poster presentations which will be displayed in the Hall of Innovation for educators, leaders, and partners to browse.
