Hoping to educate students on Hydroponics and gardening, the Native American Ministry Schools applied for a grant through the Arizona Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN) to host a workshop and develop a hydroponics garden. The workshop was offered in the White Mountains and developed a hydroponics garden through a multigenerational, student led and teacher-coached experience.

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without the use of soil. Instead, plants are saturated in a nutrient-rich solution through various methods including nutrient-film or aeroponics. Notable benefits include higher yields, smaller root  systems which means more plants can be grown in the same area, fewer pests, if done indoors, you can grow plants all year round.

What was the impact?

The Native American Ministry Schools taught over 45 students ages 12-18 how to build their own hydroponics garden. The event was a huge success and exposed students to the importance of gardening and the incredible science of hydroponics.

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The Arizona Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN) is funded by the National Science Foundation to oversee grant funding for informal STEM education projects in four rural Arizona communities: Cochise County, Graham and Greenlee County, the Verde Valley, and the Navapache/White Mountains region. RAIN acts as a resource for best practices in informal STEM program development and works to highlight effective STEM programs, employers  and organizations across the state of Arizona. Interested in applying for a grant? Visit our website today and learn more about the opportunities in your community.