hydroponics presentation act2 2010
DESCRIPTION
Starting a Hydroponic Program presented by Jeff Bracken, ACT2 2010 Jeff will share his experiences with starting a school-based hydroponic program. This is a timely issue and he'll have some great ideas to share for getting started, including the whole school and sharing with the community.TRANSCRIPT
Chemistry of Hydroponics
Jeff Bracken
Westerville North High School
ACT2 Conference June, 2010
Source of Grow Lights
What to Grow?
• Basil
• Oregano
• Peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Citronella
Chemistry Concepts
• Percent composition
• Solubility equilibria
• pH
• Solubility rules: “nutrient lockout”
• Soluble forms of iron
• Ammonium: Nitrate Ratio
Nutrient Solutions
$45 per gallon
Construction Process
Aeroponic Cloner
• Mist onto stems.
• Roots in 6-21 days.
• Root growth
visible.
• Holds 48 plants.
• Our version <$50
• Math collaboration.
Graph of Root Formation
Sweet Italian Basil
• Fresh harvest
• Thrives indoors
• Propagates easily
• Enhanced Flavor
• Revenue
$50/week
Styrofoam Basil Rafts
Drilling the holes Raft of new clones
Access to Entire Plant
Moringa: Miracle Plant
• Native to India
• “Drumstick tree”
• Peace Corps
Moringa: Nature’s Miracle!
• 7x’s the Vitamin C of oranges
• 4x’s the Calcium of milk
• 4x’s the Vitamin A of carrots
• 3x’s the Vitamin K of bananas
• 2x’s the Protein of milk
Hydrangeas: Pink or Blue?
Hydroponic Hydrangea!
Hydrangeas: Pink & Blue
Hydroponic Lettuce
Hydroponic Lettuce
• Weekly planting
• 28 day cycle
• Fluorescent lights
• Access to full
plant
• Amazing taste!!!
Lettuce Expansion
ESL Students Autistic Students
LED Grow Lights
Grow light Comparison
T-5 Fluorescent LED Grow Light
Guidance Classroom
Grow Light Comparison
Pink LED Blue LED
Peppers & Tomatoes
One Day’s Harvest
Salsa Fest May, 2008
Auto Shop Locker Room
New Cherry Tomato Patch
Cherry Tomato Harvest
Stockroom Nutrients
• Chemicals from stockroom
• Growth comparison with
commercial
• Cost effective
• Scientific method in action
• No “universal” nutrient solution yet
Catnip Extraction
Catnip Project
Stevia: Natural Sweetener
Future Efforts
• Dwarf Blueberries
• Stevia Plants
• Sales of Herbs
• Plants with a Purpose
• Self-funded program
Financial Support
• Toyota TAPESTRY Foundation $10,000• Ann Sherry Foundation $2,500• Captain Planet Foundation $2,500• Martha Holden Jennings $2,000• Hach Scientific $1,500• Hooked on Hydroponics Award $1,500• Westerville Education Foundation $1,000• Science Education Council of Ohio $500
Donations
• Westerville Police Dept
• Livingston Seed Company
• ProSource Worldwide LED
Acknowledgements
• Mr. Kurt Yancey, Principal
• Mr. Kyle Campbell, Biology Teacher
• Ms. Jessica Waites, Chemistry Teacher
• Mr. Jon Wing, Biology Teacher
• Dedicated student lab assistants