unit description - hawaiipublicschools.org forms/stem/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · essential questions...

56
Page 1 Template last revised 8.28.12 Unit Title: Aquaponics Unit Date Developed/Last Revised: 11.30.12/6.24.13 Unit Author(s): Monica Nonaka, John Constantinou Grade Level: 4-5 Time Frame: 10 60-minute sessions + on-going investigations over an extended period of time Primary Content Area: STEM UNIT DESCRIPTION: This unit will provide students the opportunity to utilize science, engineering, and math practices in authentic problem solving activities. Many unforeseen problems arise in aquaponics and watching students take ownership and solve real problems is extremely rewarding. Students will design operational aquaponics systems through engineering activities. They will also produce food and optimize the nutrient cycling within the system through monitoring and experimentation. This unit outlines an inquiry-based approach to investigating the energy flow of a food chain involving fish and hydroponically grown plants. Students will learn how fish and plants can co-exist and depend on each other in an aquaponics environment by making observations and inferences, creating scientific sketches, and analyzing their collected data to support or refute their hypotheses. They will then conduct research and use their experience to determine how aquaponics systems might contribute to local sustainability. Note: Lessons from the STEM Unit, More About Aquaponics! can be used along with this unit. It includes lessons on sustainability research, science process skills (inquiry, scientific sketches, observation/inference), science content (food chains/webs), hydroponics (scientific inquiry and engineering design process), ideas on how to incorporate more math, and suggestions on how to set up your aquaponics system. Big Ideas (Student Insights that Will Be Developed Over the Course of the Unit): Understand how fish, plants and bacteria depend on each other in an aquaponics environment Establish a common understanding of sustainability Understand the impact of aquaponics on Hawai’i’s future Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): What is aquaponics? What specific environmental conditions do plants and fish need to survive? How do the plants and fish in an aquaponics system depend on one another? What roles do the plants, fish, and bacteria play in the aquaponics environment? How does the energy in this food chain flow? What is sustainability? How might aquaponics help Hawai’i?

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Page 1: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 1 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 11301262413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Grade Level 4-5 Time Frame 10 60-minute sessions + on-going investigations over an extended period of time Primary Content Area STEM

UNIT DESCRIPTION This unit will provide students the opportunity to utilize science engineering and math practices in authentic problem solving activities Many unforeseen problems arise in aquaponics and watching students take ownership and solve real problems is extremely rewarding Students will design operational aquaponics systems through engineering activities They will also produce food and optimize the nutrient cycling within the system through monitoring and experimentation This unit outlines an inquiry-based approach to investigating the energy flow of a food chain involving fish and hydroponically grown plants Students will learn how fish and plants can co-exist and depend on each other in an aquaponics environment by making observations and inferences creating scientific sketches and analyzing their collected data to support or refute their hypotheses They will then conduct research and use their experience to determine how aquaponics systems might contribute to local sustainability Note Lessons from the STEM Unit More About Aquaponics can be used along with this unit It includes lessons on sustainability research science process skills (inquiry scientific sketches observationinference) science content (food chainswebs) hydroponics (scientific inquiry and engineering design process) ideas on how to incorporate more math and suggestions on how to set up your aquaponics system

Big Ideas (Student Insights that Will Be Developed Over the Course of the Unit) bull Understand how fish plants and bacteria depend on each other in an aquaponics environment bull Establish a common understanding of sustainability bull Understand the impact of aquaponics on Hawairsquoirsquos future

Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas)

bull What is aquaponics bull What specific environmental conditions do plants and fish need to survive bull How do the plants and fish in an aquaponics system depend on one another bull What roles do the plants fish and bacteria play in the aquaponics environment bull How does the energy in this food chain flow bull What is sustainability How might aquaponics help Hawairsquoi

Page 2 Template last revised 82812

BENCHMARKSSTANDARDSLEARNING GOALS

Science

SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plant SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence SC521 Use models andor simulations to represent and investigate features of objects events and processes in the real world SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter

Technology GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and ethically

Engineering HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and efficiently solve problems

Mathematics

Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure

Domain Measurement and Data Cluster Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Page 3 Template last revised 82812

English Language Arts and Literacy

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation) CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas CCSSELA-LiteracyRI49 Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably CCSSELA-LiteracyRI59 Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably

STEM Competencies

Indicator 22 Collaborates with helps and encourages others in group situations An effective community contributor who is STEM literate will learn to

bull Collaborate and make positive contributions toward achievement of the grouprsquos task bull Assess the grouprsquos progress toward a goal and improve efforts as students engage in scientific investigation engineering

processes and problem-solving

Indicator 33 Generates new and creative ideas and approaches to developing solutions A Complex Thinker who is STEM literate

bull Raises questions about the world and seeks information through careful observations investigations and experiments bull Uses creativity to generate new and innovative solutions bull Validates conclusions andor generalizations with accurate data based on observations and facts

Page 4 Template last revised 82812

LESSON SEQUENCE

Lesson TitleDescription

Learning Goals (What Students Will Know and Be Able to Do) Assessments Time

Frame 1 Hook Intro to

Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry)

Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil They will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and grow Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how their hydroponic unit works

Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental

procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative Reflection- Science Journaling in Science Notebook bull What did you learn while creating your hydroponics

system bull Explain how a hydroponic system works bull What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a

hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

60 min

2 Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence

Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other

Formative bull Science Notebook bull Group T Chart

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

60 min

3 Aquaponics Vocabulary

Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

60 min

Page 5 Template last revised 82812

4 Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics System

Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit and articulate how their system works

Formative bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit Reflection bull Engineering Design Process amp reflection in Science

Notebook

2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

5 Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System)

Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

Formative bull House model on Google SketchUp Summative bull Completed Google SketchUp of Aquaponics System

2 class periods (60 min each)

6 Guided Inquiry -Aquaponics vs Soil -Aquaponics Taro Investigation

Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry

Process Summative bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove

or disprove a hypothesis

4 weeks

7 Collecting Data with Probes

Students will know the different probeware and what each measures They will use the probeware in a correct and safe manner Students will develop an experiment using variables collected by probes

Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions

generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1

for rubric)

60 min

8 Math Practices Students will be able to calculate flow rates into the tanks They will be able calculate plant growth rate and fish growth rate

Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution

60 min (initial) ongoing

Page 6 Template last revised 82812

9 Independent Inquiry

Students will develop their own inquiry project using either the classroom or large outdoor system Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template

120 min (initial) 4 weeks (ongoing)

Sustainability Students conduct research on sustainability and use their experience to determine how it might contribute to local sustainability in the 21st century

See STEM Unit- More About Aquaponics for this lesson and to learn more about other optional activities and handouts bull Scientific Inquiry Hydroponic Plant Investigation bull Hydroponics - Engineering Design Process Journal bull Writing an Argument Why We Need a Hydroponic

System at Home

Varies

Page 7 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 2: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 2 Template last revised 82812

BENCHMARKSSTANDARDSLEARNING GOALS

Science

SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plant SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence SC521 Use models andor simulations to represent and investigate features of objects events and processes in the real world SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter

Technology GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and ethically

Engineering HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and efficiently solve problems

Mathematics

Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure

Domain Measurement and Data Cluster Measure lengths indirectly and by iterating length units CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Page 3 Template last revised 82812

English Language Arts and Literacy

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation) CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas CCSSELA-LiteracyRI49 Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably CCSSELA-LiteracyRI59 Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably

STEM Competencies

Indicator 22 Collaborates with helps and encourages others in group situations An effective community contributor who is STEM literate will learn to

bull Collaborate and make positive contributions toward achievement of the grouprsquos task bull Assess the grouprsquos progress toward a goal and improve efforts as students engage in scientific investigation engineering

processes and problem-solving

Indicator 33 Generates new and creative ideas and approaches to developing solutions A Complex Thinker who is STEM literate

bull Raises questions about the world and seeks information through careful observations investigations and experiments bull Uses creativity to generate new and innovative solutions bull Validates conclusions andor generalizations with accurate data based on observations and facts

Page 4 Template last revised 82812

LESSON SEQUENCE

Lesson TitleDescription

Learning Goals (What Students Will Know and Be Able to Do) Assessments Time

Frame 1 Hook Intro to

Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry)

Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil They will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and grow Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how their hydroponic unit works

Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental

procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative Reflection- Science Journaling in Science Notebook bull What did you learn while creating your hydroponics

system bull Explain how a hydroponic system works bull What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a

hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

60 min

2 Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence

Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other

Formative bull Science Notebook bull Group T Chart

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

60 min

3 Aquaponics Vocabulary

Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

60 min

Page 5 Template last revised 82812

4 Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics System

Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit and articulate how their system works

Formative bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit Reflection bull Engineering Design Process amp reflection in Science

Notebook

2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

5 Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System)

Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

Formative bull House model on Google SketchUp Summative bull Completed Google SketchUp of Aquaponics System

2 class periods (60 min each)

6 Guided Inquiry -Aquaponics vs Soil -Aquaponics Taro Investigation

Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry

Process Summative bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove

or disprove a hypothesis

4 weeks

7 Collecting Data with Probes

Students will know the different probeware and what each measures They will use the probeware in a correct and safe manner Students will develop an experiment using variables collected by probes

Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions

generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1

for rubric)

60 min

8 Math Practices Students will be able to calculate flow rates into the tanks They will be able calculate plant growth rate and fish growth rate

Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution

60 min (initial) ongoing

Page 6 Template last revised 82812

9 Independent Inquiry

Students will develop their own inquiry project using either the classroom or large outdoor system Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template

120 min (initial) 4 weeks (ongoing)

Sustainability Students conduct research on sustainability and use their experience to determine how it might contribute to local sustainability in the 21st century

See STEM Unit- More About Aquaponics for this lesson and to learn more about other optional activities and handouts bull Scientific Inquiry Hydroponic Plant Investigation bull Hydroponics - Engineering Design Process Journal bull Writing an Argument Why We Need a Hydroponic

System at Home

Varies

Page 7 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 3: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 3 Template last revised 82812

English Language Arts and Literacy

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation) CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas CCSSELA-LiteracyRI49 Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably CCSSELA-LiteracyRI59 Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably

STEM Competencies

Indicator 22 Collaborates with helps and encourages others in group situations An effective community contributor who is STEM literate will learn to

bull Collaborate and make positive contributions toward achievement of the grouprsquos task bull Assess the grouprsquos progress toward a goal and improve efforts as students engage in scientific investigation engineering

processes and problem-solving

Indicator 33 Generates new and creative ideas and approaches to developing solutions A Complex Thinker who is STEM literate

bull Raises questions about the world and seeks information through careful observations investigations and experiments bull Uses creativity to generate new and innovative solutions bull Validates conclusions andor generalizations with accurate data based on observations and facts

Page 4 Template last revised 82812

LESSON SEQUENCE

Lesson TitleDescription

Learning Goals (What Students Will Know and Be Able to Do) Assessments Time

Frame 1 Hook Intro to

Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry)

Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil They will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and grow Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how their hydroponic unit works

Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental

procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative Reflection- Science Journaling in Science Notebook bull What did you learn while creating your hydroponics

system bull Explain how a hydroponic system works bull What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a

hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

60 min

2 Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence

Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other

Formative bull Science Notebook bull Group T Chart

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

60 min

3 Aquaponics Vocabulary

Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

60 min

Page 5 Template last revised 82812

4 Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics System

Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit and articulate how their system works

Formative bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit Reflection bull Engineering Design Process amp reflection in Science

Notebook

2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

5 Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System)

Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

Formative bull House model on Google SketchUp Summative bull Completed Google SketchUp of Aquaponics System

2 class periods (60 min each)

6 Guided Inquiry -Aquaponics vs Soil -Aquaponics Taro Investigation

Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry

Process Summative bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove

or disprove a hypothesis

4 weeks

7 Collecting Data with Probes

Students will know the different probeware and what each measures They will use the probeware in a correct and safe manner Students will develop an experiment using variables collected by probes

Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions

generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1

for rubric)

60 min

8 Math Practices Students will be able to calculate flow rates into the tanks They will be able calculate plant growth rate and fish growth rate

Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution

60 min (initial) ongoing

Page 6 Template last revised 82812

9 Independent Inquiry

Students will develop their own inquiry project using either the classroom or large outdoor system Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template

120 min (initial) 4 weeks (ongoing)

Sustainability Students conduct research on sustainability and use their experience to determine how it might contribute to local sustainability in the 21st century

See STEM Unit- More About Aquaponics for this lesson and to learn more about other optional activities and handouts bull Scientific Inquiry Hydroponic Plant Investigation bull Hydroponics - Engineering Design Process Journal bull Writing an Argument Why We Need a Hydroponic

System at Home

Varies

Page 7 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 4: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 4 Template last revised 82812

LESSON SEQUENCE

Lesson TitleDescription

Learning Goals (What Students Will Know and Be Able to Do) Assessments Time

Frame 1 Hook Intro to

Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry)

Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil They will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and grow Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how their hydroponic unit works

Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental

procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative Reflection- Science Journaling in Science Notebook bull What did you learn while creating your hydroponics

system bull Explain how a hydroponic system works bull What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a

hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

60 min

2 Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence

Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other

Formative bull Science Notebook bull Group T Chart

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

60 min

3 Aquaponics Vocabulary

Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

60 min

Page 5 Template last revised 82812

4 Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics System

Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit and articulate how their system works

Formative bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit Reflection bull Engineering Design Process amp reflection in Science

Notebook

2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

5 Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System)

Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

Formative bull House model on Google SketchUp Summative bull Completed Google SketchUp of Aquaponics System

2 class periods (60 min each)

6 Guided Inquiry -Aquaponics vs Soil -Aquaponics Taro Investigation

Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry

Process Summative bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove

or disprove a hypothesis

4 weeks

7 Collecting Data with Probes

Students will know the different probeware and what each measures They will use the probeware in a correct and safe manner Students will develop an experiment using variables collected by probes

Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions

generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1

for rubric)

60 min

8 Math Practices Students will be able to calculate flow rates into the tanks They will be able calculate plant growth rate and fish growth rate

Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution

60 min (initial) ongoing

Page 6 Template last revised 82812

9 Independent Inquiry

Students will develop their own inquiry project using either the classroom or large outdoor system Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template

120 min (initial) 4 weeks (ongoing)

Sustainability Students conduct research on sustainability and use their experience to determine how it might contribute to local sustainability in the 21st century

See STEM Unit- More About Aquaponics for this lesson and to learn more about other optional activities and handouts bull Scientific Inquiry Hydroponic Plant Investigation bull Hydroponics - Engineering Design Process Journal bull Writing an Argument Why We Need a Hydroponic

System at Home

Varies

Page 7 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 5: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 5 Template last revised 82812

4 Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics System

Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit and articulate how their system works

Formative bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit Reflection bull Engineering Design Process amp reflection in Science

Notebook

2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

5 Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System)

Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

Formative bull House model on Google SketchUp Summative bull Completed Google SketchUp of Aquaponics System

2 class periods (60 min each)

6 Guided Inquiry -Aquaponics vs Soil -Aquaponics Taro Investigation

Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry

Process Summative bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove

or disprove a hypothesis

4 weeks

7 Collecting Data with Probes

Students will know the different probeware and what each measures They will use the probeware in a correct and safe manner Students will develop an experiment using variables collected by probes

Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions

generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1

for rubric)

60 min

8 Math Practices Students will be able to calculate flow rates into the tanks They will be able calculate plant growth rate and fish growth rate

Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution

60 min (initial) ongoing

Page 6 Template last revised 82812

9 Independent Inquiry

Students will develop their own inquiry project using either the classroom or large outdoor system Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template

120 min (initial) 4 weeks (ongoing)

Sustainability Students conduct research on sustainability and use their experience to determine how it might contribute to local sustainability in the 21st century

See STEM Unit- More About Aquaponics for this lesson and to learn more about other optional activities and handouts bull Scientific Inquiry Hydroponic Plant Investigation bull Hydroponics - Engineering Design Process Journal bull Writing an Argument Why We Need a Hydroponic

System at Home

Varies

Page 7 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 6: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 6 Template last revised 82812

9 Independent Inquiry

Students will develop their own inquiry project using either the classroom or large outdoor system Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure

Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template

120 min (initial) 4 weeks (ongoing)

Sustainability Students conduct research on sustainability and use their experience to determine how it might contribute to local sustainability in the 21st century

See STEM Unit- More About Aquaponics for this lesson and to learn more about other optional activities and handouts bull Scientific Inquiry Hydroponic Plant Investigation bull Hydroponics - Engineering Design Process Journal bull Writing an Argument Why We Need a Hydroponic

System at Home

Varies

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Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

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Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

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Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

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advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

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Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

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bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

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Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

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2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

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Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

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HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 7: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 7 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Hook Intro to Hydroponics (Soda Bottle Inquiry) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka

Lesson 1 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 4 60-min+ sessions

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will formulate a hypothesis and create an experimental procedure that would test the hypothesis bull Students will use the engineering design process to construct and improve hydroponic systems bull Students will know that there are other methods to grow plants besides using soil bull Students will know that as long as a plant has nutrients and light they will be able perform photosynthesis and

grow bull Students will be able to construct a standing water hydroponics unit Students will be able to articulate how

their hydroponic unit works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Student generated hypothesis and experimental procedure bull Post-it of student wonderings on chart bull Constructed standing water hydroponic unit Summative bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook)

o What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system o Explain how a hydroponic system works o What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden

(Sample)

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 8: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 8 Template last revised 82812

Science Notebook Rubric (for Science Journaling)

Category Wow (4) Good (3) Almost (2) Poor (1) SCORE

Required Elements

Table of contents is up-to-date pages are numbered titles are included and no pages have been skipped

Table of contents is up-to-date mostly all pages are numbered and include a title no skipped pages

Table of contents is not up-to-date missing some page numbers andor titles a few skipped pages

Table of contents has not been updated pages are not numberedtitled and several skipped pages

Neatness amp Organization

Handwriting is neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is usually neat Notebook is organized in an easy-to-understand format

Handwriting is not very neat Notebook is not easy to understand

Handwriting is sloppy and hard to read Notebook organization is difficult to follow

Subtotal ______ 8

Content Accuracy

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an understanding of some science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate a limited understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Written responses demonstrate an inaccurate understanding of science concepts and proper vocabulary use

Scientific Sketches

Scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled

Scientific sketches are usually clear accurate and labeled

Some scientific sketches are clear accurate and labeled with some missing

Scientific sketches are sloppyunclear or missing

Subtotal ______ 8

Comments

Total ___________16

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 9: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 9 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric 4th Grade

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

MP AP WB

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull (1) 2L Soda Bottle for each group of 2-3 students bull Scissorsbox cutter (for teacher to cut bottle) bull Permanent marker bull Growing medium (cindersclay pellets or experiment with other types like Legos or other small plastic objects

hay polymers etc) bull Small plant that already has a root system and some leaves (herbs lettuce tomatoes other greens)

httphomeguidessfgatecomquick-growing-plants-hydroponic-systems-27438html bull Hydroponic nutrient bull Optional cut up t-shirt or material for wick HandoutsOther Resources bull Video httpwwwmeetmeatthecornerorgepisodeearth-day-2011-a-kids-introduction-to-hydroponics

o Video Summary Earth Day 2011 A Kidrsquos Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening Grow more food in smaller areas Produce food where space good soil and water are in short supply

Teacher Background Information In a hydroponic system plants are placed in nutrient-enriched water Some hydroponic systems also use inert mediums such as gravel sand or vermiculite The plants placed in the water easily absorb its nutrients Once the nutrients in the water are used up it is recycled or additional nutrients are added to it Hydroponics has several

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 10: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 10 Template last revised 82812

advantages It is useful in areas where crop cultivation in the soil is not a viable option Hydroponic systems also show much higher crop growth and yields which makes it very profitable There are many online resources about hydroponics familiarize yourself by doing simple online searches to provide teacher with additional background knowledge Procedure bull HOOK Show students the Kids Introduction to Hydroponics Video Following the video have a class discussion

and have students write down wonderings or initial reactions on a post-it (have them write initials or name) Then post all of the students wonderings on a chart paper and refer to throughout lesson (This is also used for teachers initial formative assessment to gather information on what students already know or are wondering)

bull Before lesson cut one of the soda bottles in half and invert the top half into the bottom Do not do this for all

students will decide the best way to cut bottles Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own standing water hydroponic unit today Show students the materials that they can use

bull Review The Engineering Design Process

o Ask o Imagine o Plan o Create o Experiment o Improve

bull Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a standing water hydroponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use

bull Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the

teacher and explain where they would like the soda bottle cut (it helps if students draw with a permanent marker) and teacher will cut Then using the other materials students will engineer modify and improve until they have the unit just the way they want

bull Give students their post-it back and have them reflect in their science notebook Make sure students check the

science notebook rubric before submitting work bull Suggestions for journal entries

a What did you learn while creating your hydroponics system b Explain how a hydroponic system works c What are the benefits of growing vegetables in a hydroponic system rather than a traditional garden d In learning groups allow students to come up with questions they would like to answer about the

hydroponic systems e Write a hypothesis regarding one of the questions you want answered f Write the steps of an experiment that would test your hypothesis

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either

having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their hydroponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring in

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 11: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 11 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Overview amp Interdependence Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 2 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3) 1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC431 Explain how simple food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know the elements of an aquaponic system and how it works bull Students will be able to identify how organisms within this system are interdependent on each other bull Students will understand how each of the communities gets energy to survive 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Science Notebook (see Lesson 1 for rubric) bull Group T-Chart with following guided question (what do we know what did we learn)

o What are the elements of an aquaponic system

Summative bull Completed Interdependence Worksheet bull Science Notebook response to writing prompt

ldquoWrite a short response identifying the producers consumers and decomposers present in the aquaponic system Explain how the organisms in your aquaponic system are interdependentrdquo

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull PowerPoint presentation Aquaponics Introduction HandoutsOther Resources bull Interdependence Worksheet Teacher Background Information 1 What is aquaponics bull In an aquaponics system one of the components is a hydroponic bed wherein crops are grown with the use of

nutrient enriched solution The other component is a tank or aquarium wherein fish are grown These two systems coexist and depend on each other for growth

bull As the fish grow they excrete ammonium and other waste matter This water needs to be changed frequently so

that the fish can survive and flourish in clean water In a conventional aquaculture setting the dirty water is generally disposed of which is a great waste of a precious natural resource and invaluable plant nutrient

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 12: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 12 Template last revised 82812

bull An aquaponics system uses the waste matter from the fish Bacteria convert the toxic ammonium to nitrite and

then to nitrate Nitrate is the primary source of nitrogen for plant growth bull Over time this water must be replaced with new nutrient-rich water so that the plant growth can be continued

at a normal pace This is where the nutrient-rich water from the fish tank comes in bull After being treated with bacteria this water is passed on to the hydroponic section where it replaces the water

that is depleted of nutrients The nutrient-free water from the hydroponics section is not usable by the plants but it is safe for the fish because it is free of waste matter and other nutrients that become toxic to the fish This water is sent to the fish tank where it stays until it becomes riddled with fish waste again The same process is then repeated wherein the fish waste is converted to plant nutrients and supplied to the plants and the tank water is replaced by wastewater from the hydroponic area

bull Aquaponics has several advantages over independent hydroponics and aquaculture systems It provides a

harvest of plants as well as fish all without the need for soil There is no waste involved because of the continuous recycling that goes on Aquaponics systems function on less water as well because additional water is only required when sizable amounts of moisture are lost to evaporation

2 What is the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics

bull Hydroponics and aquaponics are both soil-free methods of cultivating crops The major difference between the

two methods is that aquaponics integrates a hydroponic environment with aquaculture the process of cultivating fish Aquaponics combines hydroponics and aquaculture in a controlled environment to create a balanced ecosystem that benefits crops as well as the fish Hydroponic systems must add large amounts of fertilizers to the water Aquaponics does not since the fish provide the fertilizer and the bacteria convert it to a form that plants can use

bull Read more

httpwwwdoityourselfcomstrythe-difference-between-hydroponics-and-aquaponicsbixzz2HhXmgiuQ

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 13: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 13 Template last revised 82812

Procedure 1 T-Chart Ask students What are the elements of an Aquaponics system Record answers on T-chart

2 Show students the Aquaponics Introduction PowerPoint and go through the slides

3 Pass out student worksheet to students and project on Elmo (or create a chart paper of same material) going

through all of the elements together

4 Refer back to the original t-chart and have students clear up initial misconceptions of the elements of an aquaponics system On the right side of the t-chart fill in correct elements

5 Have students reflect on what they learned about aquaponics in their Science Notebook Students need to

title their work Aquaponics Overview and include a diagram (with labels) of what an aquaponics system looks like Students will also write about the necessary elements of an aquaponics system Students will also glue in their Interdependence Worksheet

6 Students will create a food chain and food web that includes plants fish and bacteria living in the system as

well as others (eg humans slugs rats)

7 Reflections Science Journaling in Science Notebook - see Lesson for Science Notebook Rubric

Suggested Entries for Science Journal bull Explain how food chains and food webs can be traced back to plants bull Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Choose one organism in an aquaponics system and describe how its behavior is determined by its

environment bull Describe the cycle of energy among producers consumers and decomposers in an aquaponics

system and how they are interdependent

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 14: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 14 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Interdependence Worksheet

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism Whatrsquos the role Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Plants

Bacteria

2 Pick at least 3 living organisms near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

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5

6262013

6

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8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 15: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 15 Template last revised 82812

Interdependence Worksheet (with possible answers)

1 How do the different organisms (living things) in your aquaponic system depend on each other Fill in the table to assist you in answering this

Organism What role do they play Producer consumer or decomposer

What do they need from others to live

How do they get it What do they do for the others

Where do they get their energy

Fish

Consumer O2

Food

Remove Wastes

Ammonium amp Nitrate

Air Pumpsalgae

People

Bacteria

Supply Ammonium Food that is given by us that originally came from plants using the sunrsquos energy and animals eating those plants

Plants

Producer CO2

Light

Nitrate

Air

Sun

Fish and Bacteria

Remove Nitrate

Give O2 amp food for humans

Sun through photosynthesis

Bacteria

Decomposer Need Ammonium Fish Waste Convert Ammonium to Nitrate

From waste product of fish ammonium and organics in solid wastes

2 Pick at least 3 organisms living near your home and describe how they are interdependent with each other and other living things

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 16: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 16 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Aquaponics Vocabulary Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 3 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area ELA Time Frame 60 min

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC452 Describe the roles of various organisms in the same environment bull SC531 Describe the flow of energy among producers consumers and decomposers bull SC532 Describe the interdependent relationships among producers consumers and decomposers in an

ecosystem in terms of the cycles of matter bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL46 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific

words and phrases including those that signal precise actions emotions or states of being (eg quizzed whined stammered) and that are basic to a particular topic (eg wildlife conservation and endangered when discussing animal preservation)

bull CCSSELA-LiteracyL56 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases including those that signal contrast addition and other logical relationships (eg however although nevertheless similarly moreover in addition)

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will know key terminology of the aquaponics system

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Summative bull Completed Four Square Vocabulary of each word bull Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Copy of the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Terms cut up in strips put into a baggie bull Dictionariesaccess to computersaquaponics related references

HandoutsOther Resources bull Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers)

Procedure 1 Hand out aquaponics pre-assessment quiz to students Tell students this is not a graded activity but rather a

way for them to self-assess whether or not they know these aquaponics and ecology terms Tell students that they will eventually be expected to know the terms but for todays purposes it is just an inventory for themselves bull You may decide that you want to allow students to work with a partner for this we have found that it

alleviates some anxiety of students not knowing the correct answer) Set a time limit of 5-8 minutes for this as it is not the big focus for today but rather a way to activate the students brains to prepare for this new information

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 17: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 17 Template last revised 82812

2 During this time scan studentsgroups to see what words they already know if all students are showing mastery

of a particular vocabulary word take it out of the baggie 3 Tell students that they will be working in groups to become the experts on a particular word Groups will pick a

word from the baggie and define it (using one of the available resources) Students will also need to think of a creative way to teach the rest of the class the word so that everyone will remember it (this could be an interesting drawing movement chant song etc)

4 At the end of the class all groups will presentperform their vocabulary word to the class 5 Continue to review words and administer Aquaponics Vocabulary Post-Assessment Quiz

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Distribute the Aquaponic Related Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) to students to use for

homework Students will create a Four Square model of each vocabulary word in their Science Notebook (word definition picture sentence)

Word Definition

Cycle

Picture Sentence

Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

The water in an aquaponics system cycles through the fish tank and grow beds and continues to repeat itself

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 18: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 18 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (Key)

1 Interdependence B 2 Cycle K 3 Energy G 4 Producers H 5 Consumers A 6 Decomposers J 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) F 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) L 9 Oxygen (O2) C 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) E 11 Grow Beds I 12 Ebb and Flow D

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz (with answers) 1 Interdependence living things depend on each other for their survival 2 Cycle any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats 3 Energy the ability to do work 4 Producers an organism that makes its own food 5 Consumers an organism that gets energy by eating other organisms 6 Decomposers an organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

8 Nitrate (NO3-) nitrogen nutrient for plants

9 Oxygen (O2) gas animals need to live 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas plants need to do photosynthesis 11 Grow Beds containers for growing plants 12 Ebb and Flow movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out

constantly repeating itself

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 19: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 19 Template last revised 82812

Name ___________________________________________ Date ______________________

Aquaponic Vocabulary Pre-Assessment Quiz

Directions Place the letter with the correct definition next to the correct word

1 Interdependence ______ 2 Cycle ______ 3 Energy ______ 4 Producers ______ 5 Consumers ______ 6 Decomposers ______ 7 Ammonium (NH4

+) ______ 8 Nitrate (NO3

-) ______ 9 Oxygen (O2) ______ 10 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ______ 11 Grow Beds ______ 12 Ebb and Flow ______

A An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms

B Living things depend on each other for their survival

C A gas animals need to live

D Movement of water which essentially floods an aquaponichydroponic system and then drains out constantly

repeating itself

E A gas plants need to do photosynthesis

F Nitrogen waste from fish Comes out of gills Will kill them if gets above 2mgL Bacteria change to nitrate

G The ability to do work

H An organism that makes its own food

I Containers for growing plants

J An organism that gets energy by feeding on dead material and wastes

K Any complete round or series of occurrences that repeats

L Nitrogen nutrient for plants

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 20: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 20 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Engineering a Mini-Aquaponics Unit Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 4 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Engineering Time Frame 2 class periods (60 min amp 45 min)

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems (Engineering Design Process) 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to construct a mini-aquaponics unit bull Students will be able to articulate how their system works

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Scientific Sketches in Student Journal (Science Journal Rubric can be found in Lesson 1)

Summative bull Constructed mini-aquaponics unit bull Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook Rubric in Lesson 1)

3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Mini Aquaponics Engineering Kit per group of 2-4 students (materials may include but are not limited to bowls blocks straws tubing plastic PVC piping mini water pump 6V solar panel)

bull To purchase mini water pumps and 6V solar panel go to kidwindorg mini water pump part - SKU H0016 6V part - SKU C0035-10

bull All other materials are typical household items and most can be from recycled products

This is just a sample of some of the materials that were included in the kit The more materials that you are able to include the more different possible solutions and systems students will be able to create

bull Work lights amp extension cord (in case it is a cloudy day and solar panels do not have charge to power the pump)

bull Access to waterwater cans or bottles to fill up system

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 21: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 21 Template last revised 82812

HandoutsOther Resources Although there are many different ways to construct this mini aquaponic unit this is one possible way to do so (This should not be shown to students but rather for the teacher to use for background knowledge Not pictured in this photograph is that small 6V solar panel that is attached to the redblack wires from the water pump)

Procedure (Day 1) It has worked well to break this lesson into 2 days On day 1 students will go through the engineering design process and create their system in the classroom Then on Day 2 they can recreate their system and try it out with water (working outdoors on sidewalk or another flat surface works best as materials and surrounding areas can get wet) Also in planning where to work make sure you have access to direct sunlight or a nearby outlet (to plug in extension cordwork light)

Before lesson make sure all materials are arranged into kits for easy access for groups Tell students that they will be engineers today and will create their own mini aquaponics unit today Show students the materials that they can use

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 22: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 22 Template last revised 82812

1 Review The Engineering Design Process

bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Ask Imagine Plan In science notebook have students write title of activity and their ask question (you can give to them or have them make their own How can I create a mini-aquaponic unit) Then have students imagine and plan out what they envision their unit will look like This drawing should be labeled with the materials they will use (Decide whether or not you will give students the kits now We have found that when we give students the kits they race to start building and do not spend a lot of time planning in their notebooks Although a little more difficult to plan when they cannot feel and manipulate the actual materials we have found that they do more thinking during this step We have also asked that they show us 3-4 different ideas that they have planned before giving them the kits)

3 Create Experiment Improve When students have planned what they would like to try have them show the teacher and explain what their system may look like and which idea they will try first Then give the group a kit and have them test it out It is important that students do not hook up the solar panel to the water pump as running the water pump without water may fry it Save that step for tomorrow (suggested that you do not give students the solar panel until they have filled the system up with water on day 2)

4 Encourage students to make revisions to their initial plans and record the new things they are trying in their science notebooks

5 By the end of the lesson students should have selected the idea they will start with during day 2 and have a

diagram (with labeled parts) of exactly what that looks like Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Finish up diagrams and labels in Science Notebook Procedure (Day 2) Continuation from Day 1 preferably in a location outside and an area that can get wet

1 Review The Engineering Design Process bull Ask bull Imagine bull Plan bull Create bull Experiment bull Improve

2 Tell students that they will rebuild the design they want to try and add the water in it today They must rebuild it

according to the diagram that is in their Science Notebooks If something they need to add is not part of their diagram they must make sure to add it

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 23: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 23 Template last revised 82812

bull Once they have built the unit the way they want they will show the teacher both the diagram in their notebook and what they have constructed They will also articulate what they have created Then they will fill the system with water and the teacher will give students the solar panel (and light source if it is not sunny)

bull Students will improve the design or try out other designs as time permits

bull Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Homework Activity (Optional)

bull Tell students that this activity can be done using a variety of materials This lesson can be extended by either having students bring in additional materials from home to improve their mini aquaponic unit or they can create another one at home and bring it in We have had some students modify their fish tanks at home into aquaponic systems

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 24: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 24 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Google SketchUp (Engineering an Aquaponics System) Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica NonakaJohn Constantinou

Lesson 5 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Technology Time Frame 2 class periods 60 min each

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull HCPS III CTE Standard 1 TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN Design modify and apply technology to effectively and

efficiently solve problems bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to design a model of an actual aquaponics unit (either mini classroom or large system) using Google SketchUp

bull Students will be able to describe how their aquaponics model works 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull House model on Google SketchUp

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 25: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 25 Template last revised 82812

Summative 1 Aquaponics model on Google SketchUp (see attached Google SketchUp ndash Aquaponics System Checklist)

2 Reflection (Science Journaling in Science Notebook) Suggestions for Journal Entries

bull SC432 Describe how an organisms behavior is determined by its environment bull Explain which organisms you would choose to put into your aquaponics system and describe how its

behavior would be determined by its environment 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Google SketchUp (free software can be downloaded at httpwwwsketchupcomproductnewin7html)

bull Science journals (with finished diagram of mini-aquaponic unit) HandoutsOther Resources

bull Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist bull There are also some great videos training videos to watch and can be used for teacher background knowledge

or shown to students httpwwwsketchupcomintlentraining Teacher Background Information Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that can be used for a broad range of applications such as architectural civil mechanical film and video game design It is available in free and professional versions Teachers should spend some time familiarizing themselves with the program and the tools (try to create a house as this will be the first task you have students do)

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 26: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 26 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Day 1)

1 HOOK Show students some cool Google SketchUp designs in the gallery (these were done by students) on a projector httpspicasawebgooglecomgallerysketchupEducationK12 On a teacher computerprojector show students how to open the program and to navigate to the home page Show students the toolbar and that when you hover over each icon it will tell you the name of the icon Do a quick example of building a house with simple shapes Show students how to use the different shape tools the pushpull tool the move tool and so on After giving an overview of the program tell students that their task today is to construct their own model house and practice using the tools Use whatever procedures you normally do when running a computer activity The purpose of today is for students to familiarize themselves with the program and tools

2 Monitor and assist students If possible it is nice to showcase student work at the end of the lesson If you

are able to have students save their work to a common folder then you can project student work for all to see Another idea is to have a gallery walk whereas all students leave their work open on their computer and walk around to see everyones work This is a great time for students to ask each other questions on how they performed certain tasks

Homework Activity (Optional) bull Tell students that Google SketchUp can be downloaded for free and if they have parental permission they can

do this at home as well You may want to send home a letter or a link in your weeklymonthly newsletter Procedure (Day 2)

1 Tell students that todays task will be to take the design that was created for the engineering a mini aquaponic system and improve it or scale it up to a large aquaponic system in Google SketchUp

2 Show students the criteriachecklist for what it is expected to include

3 Allow students to work on their models When they are finished have them print it out and glue into their

science notebooks with the checklist

4 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 27: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 27 Template last revised 82812

Google SketchUp - Aquaponics System Checklist

Criteria Maximum Points Points

Awarded Comments

Completed by due date 5 (subtract a point for each day late)

At least 2 grow beds

1 point per grow bed

1 fish tank

3

Piping from grow bedsfish tank 5 (subtract a point for each missing pipe)

Must include at least 5 details (shadingcoloringtextureetc)

5

Followed the diagram in Science Notebook

5

Additional Comments

Total _________ 25 points

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 28: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 28 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Guided Inquiry Aquaponics vs Soil + Aquaponics Taro Investigation Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John ConstantinouMonica Nonaka

Lesson 6 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do

bull Students will be able to describe a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative

bull Observations of students throughout the Inquiry Process Summative

bull A completed Lab Report that uses evidence to prove or disprove a hypothesis 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials

bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Soil (in pots of garden) bull Seedlings (should all be about relative same height)

Two samples of guided inquiry activities are included Aquaponics vs Soil and Aquaponics Taro Investigation HandoutsOther Resources

bull Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric bull Aquaponics vs Soil Student Lab Report Handout bull Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Procedure (Day 1a)

1 Tell students that as a class we will be working on a guided inquiry project Individuals or groups of students will be collecting their own data ands have their own plants but as a class we will work on a lab report together (Later in the unit students will come up with their questions and create their own lab report)

2 The lab we will be working on is where do plants grow faster in an aquaponics system or in traditional soil

Hand out lab report and review criteria with students

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 29: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 29 Template last revised 82812

3 As a class fill in purposehypothesisprior knowledge areas

4 Show students the materials that will be used today As a class discuss how to set up this lab experiment Then work on filling in the materials and procedure sections

Procedure (Day 1b)

1 After the lab report has been filled in and students are aware of the procedure have groups set up their experiments Each group should be given materials to grow (1) plant in soil and (1) plant in aquaponics system

2 Measure the height of each plant in centimeters and record on Data amp Results table Students should also keep any notes of observations or inferences they may have

3 Have students reflect in their science notebook about what they learned and the process that they went through Make sure students check the science notebook rubric before submitting work

Procedure (Days 2-30) 1 Make sure students check on plants daily and water if needed (for soil plant) On days 5 10 15 20 25 amp 30

have students measure their plants and record information On these days students should be journaling in their science notebook as well

2 On Day 30 teacher will walk students through the completion of the lab report including data amp results and analysis amp conclusions sections When the lab report is finished students are to look over the rubric and grade themselves on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback as well

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 30: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 30 Template last revised 82812

Lab Process ndash Scoring Rubric

Remember that your lab report is scientific writing It should include facts and conclusions Do not include your feelings or opinions about if you liked the lab or not Try not to use the words like ldquoIrdquo or ldquomerdquo

SC411 I can describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure

Meets

5 pts

Approaching

3 pts

Well Below

1 pt

Score

Hypothesis My hypothesis included if then and because statements

It makes sense

My hypothesis may be missing a part (ex has the if then but not the because)

It makes sense

My hypothesis is missing a lot of parts

It does not make sense

Experimental Procedure

I listed detailed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know exactly what to do if they followed my instructions

I listed steps of the scientific procedure

Someone else reading the experimental procedure would know what to do but might need to ask me questions Some steps are unclear

I listed some steps of the scientific procedure but my instructions are not clear

Someone else would have difficulty reading my steps

Conclusion

(5th grade SC512 benchmark)

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data as powerful evidence to support conclusion

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Uses data for support but explanation is vague

Supports or refutes hypothesis

Does not use data for support explanation of findings is illogical

Hypothesis is not addressed and explanation is illogical

4th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 10 ______ 10 Points

5th Grade TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 15 ______ 15 Points

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 31: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 31 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics vs Soil

Student Lab Report Handout

Purpose Predict which will grow faster plants in an aquaponic system or plants in traditional soil

Purpose To determine which grows faster plants in soil or plants in an aquaponic system

Question Do plants grow faster in soil or in an aquaponic system

Hypothesis

If plants are grown in soil and in an aquaponics system then

___________________________________________________________________________________ because

___________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Prior Knowledge

Materials (write out what you will need)

Student Name ________________________________________________________

Date ________________________________________________________________

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 32: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 32 Template last revised 82812

Data amp Results (Outcome)

Height of plant (cm)

Day 1 Day 5 Day 10 Day 15 Day 20 Day 25 Day 30

Aquaponic

Soil

Actual results

Height of Plant in Aquaponic System on Day 30 _____________________

Height of Plant in Soil on Day 30 ______________________

Difference between prediction and outcome __________________________________________

Additional notes ____________________________________________________________________________

Procedure (write out the steps you will do)

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 33: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 33 Template last revised 82812

Bar Graph

Analysis amp Conclusions

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 34: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 34 Template last revised 82812

Aquaponics Taro Investigation Student Lab Report Handout

Question Which variety of taro Chinese or Black (elersquoele) will grow best in the ebb and flow grow beds of our aquaponic system

Hypothesis If Chinese and Black taro are grown in an aquaponic system then __________________ variety of taro will grow bigger because _________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Procedure 1 Get a plant for your lab group 2 Clean all the soil from the corm and roots of the plant 3 Measure the height of the plants in centimeters (cm) 4 Measure the length of the largest leaf in centimeters (cm) 5 Measure the mass of the plants corm (g) 6 Consolidate your data into a class data set 7 Plant the 2 varieties of taro in 2 grow beds of our aquaponic system Mix the 2 varieties together randomly in the

beds 8 Plant your plant in the specified grow bed 9 Tag your plant so you can find it 10 After 2 months find your plant and remeasure plant height length of the largest leaf and mass of the corm

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 35: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 35 Template last revised 82812

Data (Results) Taro Growth Experiment

Type of Taro amp Grow Bed Height (cm) Leaf Length (cm) Corm Mass (g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black 1

Left Bed

Black 2

Left Bed

Black 3

Left Bed

Chinese 1

Left Bed

Chinese 2

Left Bed

Chinese 3

Left Bed

Black 4

Right Bed

Black 5

Right Bed

Black 6

Right Bed

Chinese 4

Right Bed

Chinese 5

Right Bed

Chinese 6

Right Bed

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 36: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 36 Template last revised 82812

Taro Growth Experiment Averages

Type of Taro

amp

Grow Bed

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Left Bed

Black

Right Bed

Chinese

Left Bed

Chinese

Right Bed

Taro Growth Experiment Total = Average of all plants

Type of Taro

Height

(cm)

Leave Length

(cm)

Corm Mass

(g)

Begin End Begin End Begin End

Black

Chinese

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 37: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 37 Template last revised 82812

Observations Record any observations you made while doing the experiment in the box below

Graph Make a bar graph to display the results of your experiments Include a title label the axes and include the unit of measurement

Conclusion Look back at your hypothesis at what you thought would happen Compare it to your actual data Were you correct Write a conclusion

-Restate your hypothesis

- Use your data to explain if your prediction was supported

-Explain the results Make an inference use your observations (data) to explain why things happened as they did

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 38: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 38 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Collecting Data with Probes Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 7 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull GLO 6 Effective and Ethical Users of Technology the ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and

ethically 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to use technology (probe ware) ethically and responsibly bull Students will be able to interpret data collected to make inferences about the aquaponic system operation bull Students will create a testable hypothesis and experimental procedure that incorporates variables collected with

probes 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing Students using probes bull Data Tables filled in accurately bull Student discussions and interpretations of data Summative bull Completed data table inferences and questions generated by data bull Student responses in science notebook (see lesson 1 for rubric) 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Nitrate Ammonium pH Dissolved O2 probes (httpwwwverniercom) Procedure (Day 1) bull Teach students how to handle probes and review important variables to assess health of aquaponic system

Vernier Probes

General Handling 1 Unscrew O-ring vacuum-sealed tops before removing or placing probes into bottles 2 Probes need to be submerged below the white dot 3 Rinse Probes wdistilled water when done

Temperature

Easiest probe to use Plug amp read data The sensor is at the endtip of the probe

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 39: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 39 Template last revised 82812

Oxygen (O2) 1 Unscrew measured cap 2 Use pipette use DO (dissolved oxygen) to fill cap of O2 3 Screw cap back on watching that DO filling solution flows out so there are no bubbles inside 4 10 min warm up of probe plugged into LabQuest is recommended 5 To clean

a Unscrew membrane b Wash (wdistilled water) amp dry cap and metal rod Blot dry c Leave cap off d Discard DO filling solution

Nitrate amp Ammonium (NO3

- amp NH4+)

For the ammonium and nitrate probes setup and cleanup is the same

Setup 1 Pour high standard solution (100mgL) into short term soaking bottle 2 Soak for frac12 hour (not needed that long) standard 100mgL 3 Keep high standard solution that the probe is soaking in clean so it can be reused

Cleanup 1 Wash (with distilled water) 2 Put in container wsponge leaving moisture on probe

pH To use the pH probe just plug it into the Labquest and read the values (The probe is stored in a known buffer solution pH approximately 4)

Aquaponic Considerations The system is kept in balance by 3 communities (Fish Plants and Bacteria) working together and depending on each other In Ecology living things depending on each other is known as Interdependence Nitrate Ammonium What plants need to grow Excreted out of fish gills (like our urine) and is a metabolic waste

product

Converted by Converted by Bacteria A Bacteria B Ammonium Nitrate Nitrate

Fish- Produce ammonium Bacteria ndash Convert ammonium to nitrite then nitrate Plants- Use the nitrate to grow All animals require oxygen to survive The fish and even the plant roots will grow better with higher O2 levels Catfish are an excellent fish because they can come up to the surface and breathe O2 from the air

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 40: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 40 Template last revised 82812

General reference points for values O2 gt 4 mgL NH4

+ lt2mgL NO3

- lt7mgL pH 7 is neutral (probably 6-8 is okay for catfish amp tilapia)

Procedure (Day 2) Aquaponic Measurements bull Prepare small tanks or beakers to have 3 different conditions I use aquaponic water just fish and hydroponic

water bull Have students create a data table that will record the data from the treatments you made and the probes you

will have for students to use For example Aquaponics Water Quality

Treatment Water

Dissolved Oxygen (O2)

Ammonium (NH4

+) Nitrate (NO3

-) Acidity

pH

Aquaponic

Just Fish

Hydroponic

bull Another higher order activity is to have students make predictions prior to collecting data Even if you ask

specific questions such as ldquoWhich treatment do you expect to have the lowest oxygen What will have higher nitrate hydroponics or aquaponic water What will have higher ammonium hydroponics or aquaponic waterrdquo

bull Data analysis and inferences In their student notebooks have students make observations and inferences bull Specific questions could be ldquoMake an observation about oxygen (you may need to model this) then ask them to

make an inference on oxygen (for example oxygen is the lowest in the fish only water because the fish are using the oxygen and there is no source of oxygen into the water)

bull Another observationInference could involve the nitrate and ammonium levels in the aquaponic water The observation could be ldquoNitrate was ___(some value) but ammonium was very low _____ (another value)rdquo The inference now gets to an important concept in aquaponics - ldquothe bacteria are converting ammonium from fish to nitrate The plants are using the nitraterdquo

bull If nitrate is high in the aquaponic system what does this mean How can we bring the value down (add more plants)

bull Ask students to explain the difference between an observation and an inference

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 41: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 41 Template last revised 82812

Procedure (Days 3-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Can students think of ways to optimize the nutrient cycling bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 42: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 42 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Math Practices Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) John Constantinou Monica Nonaka

Lesson 8 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

bull CCSSMathContent5MDC5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume

Supporting Math Practices 1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them 2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively 3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others 4 Model with mathematics 5 Use appropriate tools strategically 6 Attend to precision 7 Look for and make use of structure 8 Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning 2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories bull Students will relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical

problems involving volume 2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Observing students working collaboratively bull Problem setup bull Measurements Summative bull Problem setup and solution bull Communication of solution 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System bull Some measurement tools eg graduated cylinders meter stick stop watches Procedure bull Student groups will be given the math challenges bull Students in groups will discuss what information they need to solve the problem bull Randomly selected groups will share with class about problem setup bull Students will collect required informationdata

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 43: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 43 Template last revised 82812

bull Students will calculate solutions bull Randomly selected groups will share solutions with class

Teacher Background Information I tried to leave the challenges open so students need to formulate the problem Really figure out what they need to measure and figure out how However herersquos a brief background to assist teachers assist students when needed

Challenge 1 To calculate flow rate you need to know volume per unit time VT Appropriate units for your students to use are Liters per minute Liters per hour or gallons per hour They will need containers to catch water and timers to measure the time over which they catch the water One Liter graduated cylinders would be required to accurately measure the volume

Challenge 2 To solve this challenge students need to calculate and estimate fish weight They also need to know that capturing all the fish is not realistic and disturbing fish should be kept to a minimum This means they will need to capture a subpopulation of fish and get an average fish weight from the captured fish They will also need to estimate the amount of fish in the tank They can employ a catch tag release recapture procedure To see a simple explanationsimulation of mark and recapture explore the following link httpflightlinehighlineedujbetzzallBI100animationscapture_recapturehtml

Math Challenges (There are many possible authentic math challenges using aquaponics) 1 The outflow must be at a higher rate than the inflow for the vacuum of the ebb and flow cycles to function

properly There are several measurements and calculations required A Calculate the flow rates of the water flowing into the grow beds from the fish tank B Calculate the flow of water out of the ebb and flow tank once a vacuum has formed C Compare the 2 rates Which one is greater D Is the ebb amp flow system working properly Why or Why Not E If the ebb and flow is not working develop a plan to make it function properly

2 Feeding Fish and Growth Rate of Fish A Estimate the amount of food we are feeding the fish We will aim for 15 of the fish body weight in

foodday B What do we need to calculatemeasure before we can feed fish correct amount C Determine how we will measure each variable and calculate the correct amount of food

Other Possible Math Challenges bull Volume of tanks bull Time to fill tank bull Time to drain tank bull How many ebb and flow cycleshr bull NH4

+ production rates bull NH3 to NO3

- conversion rates bull Growth rate of plants bull Growth rate of fish bull Calculate energy needs for pumps bull Determine how many solar panels are required to run the system

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 44: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 44 Template last revised 82812

Unit Title Aquaponics Lesson Title Independent Inquiry Date DevelopedLast Revised 62413 Unit Author(s) Monica Nonaka John Constantinou

Lesson 9 Grade Level 4-5 Primary Content Area Science Time Frame ongoing ~4 weeks

PLANNING (Steps 1 2 amp 3)

1 StandardsBenchmarks and Process Skills Assessed in this Lesson bull SC411 Describe a testable hypothesis and an experimental procedure bull SC412 Differentiate between an observation and an inference bull SC511 Identify and control variables in scientific investigations bull SC512 Formulate and defend conclusions based on evidence bull CCSSMathContent3MDB3 Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with

several categories Solve one- and two-step ldquohow many morerdquo and ldquohow many lessrdquo problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs For example draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets

2A Criteria- What Students Should Know and Be Able to Do bull Students will be able to create and test a hypothesis using evidence from a controlled experiment

2B Assessment ToolsEvidence Formative bull Ongoing entries in Science Notebook

Summative bull Completed Lab Report Rubric amp Template 3 Learning Experiences (Lesson Plan) Materials bull Access to Aquaponic System

HandoutsOther Resources bull Design Your Own Experiment Procedure (Days 2-30) Independent Inquiry bull After students are familiar with using probes and able to interpret data let them generate questions they have

about the aquaponic system bull Have students work in small (3-4 students) groups during this brainstormingquestion generating time bull Have groups pick their best idea with the class bull Pick one or as many experiments that can be run by students bull Use template from lesson 6 to direct students on the job they did on the lab report Teacher will provide feedback

as well Blank templates follow Some possible areas to investigate include How does pump cycle affect O2 levels Which grow bed works best Ebb and Flow or Floating Trays

Lab Rubric See Lesson 6

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 45: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 45 Template last revised 82812

Name of Scientist __________________________________ Date ___________________

Design Your Own Experiment

Question

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hypothesis

IF ______________________________________________________________________________________________

THEN ___________________________________________________________________________________________

BECAUSE _______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Materials Needed

Procedures

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 46: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 46 Template last revised 82812

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data (Results)

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

6262013

2

6262013

3

We Collect Data Using Probes

6262013

4

6262013

5

6262013

6

6262013

7

6262013

8

Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 47: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

Page 47 Template last revised 82812

Conclusion

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

What variables did you try to control in your experiments

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of other variables that you should have controlled

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

These are called constants and controls by scientists and are very important to validate your experimental results

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Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

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We Collect Data Using Probes

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

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Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 48: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

6262013

1

Aquaponics at Mountain View ElementaryLearn

Grow Food Medicines ampCash CropsHave Fun

What is Aquaponics

bull Combination of Aquaculture and Hydroponicsbull Aquaculture‐ Grows fishbull Hydroponics‐ Grows plants without soilbull Aquaponics‐ Grow Fish and Plants togetherbull What is the Invisible Magician

ndash Bacteria

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2

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We Collect Data Using Probes

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5

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

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Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 49: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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We Collect Data Using Probes

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 50: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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We Collect Data Using Probes

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

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Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 51: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 52: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

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Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 53: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

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Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 54: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

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Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 55: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

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Students Engineering Mini‐Aquaponic Systems

Sketchup

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout
Page 56: UNIT DESCRIPTION - hawaiipublicschools.org Forms/STEM/gr_4_5_aquaponics.pdf · Essential Questions (Questions that Will Prompt Students to Connect to the Big Ideas): ... • Hydroponics

6262013

9

Hydroponics vs Aquaponics

  • 1 MVS Aquaponics Final 61013HE LH
  • 2 Aquaponics Intro compressed handout