Vision

The project’s vision was to empower students with the knowledge and skills to address climate change through innovative technology and sustainable practices. We used hands-on learning with real-world environmental challenges (sustainable/indoor farming, study of biodiversity, analyzing climate footprints). Our goal was to foster critical thinking, environmental literacy, and a sense of responsibility in preparing students to become proactive leaders in creating a more sustainable future.

Our project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals:

– By teaching students about sustainable agriculture and efficient resource use, we contribute to economic stability and community resilience, addressing No Poverty (SDG 1).
– Vertical hydro gardening with our Tower Garden enables students to grow and harvest produce, demonstrating ways to achieve food security and Zero Hunger (SDG 2).
– Growing fresh produce and understanding sustainable farming practices promote healthier eating habits and lifestyles, supporting Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).
– The project provides hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fulfilling the goals of Quality Education (SDG 4).
– Our automated watering system, designed and coded by students, conserves water by only activating when the soil is dry, promoting Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6).
– By exploring indoor farming technologies and efficient resource use, students learn about sustainable energy practices, supporting Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7).
– The project fosters innovation through the development of technological solutions like the automated watering system, preparing students for future contributions to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).
– Providing each child with their own plant to care for ensures equal participation and learning opportunities, promoting Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
– Teaching students about sustainable practices and resource management contributes to the development of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
– The project emphasizes Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) through the responsible use of resources, including water and energy, and sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing climate change through education and practical solutions, the project empowers students to take Climate Action (SDG 13).
– Understanding and mitigating the impacts of fertilizer runoff and promoting sustainable land use practices help protect Life on Land (SDG 15).

Through this, our project not only educates students but also instills in them the values and skills necessary to contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.

Action

With the Learning for Sustainable Futures grant, our class took several steps toward helping fight climate change while promoting sustainability. We integrated Micro:bit coding to design and build solutions for real-world environmental challenges. A significant part of our project was exploring vertical hydro gardening using a Tower Garden, where students grew, studied, and harvested produce. Each student was given a plant to care for, and we purchased a greenhouse, grow lights, and a humidifier to study the ideal conditions for propagating and sustaining plants. Using their coding skills, students created an automated watering system that conserves water by only activating when the soil is dry. This hands-on approach helped students critically analyze the environmental benefits and drawbacks of various farming technologies, emphasizing water conservation and sustainable agriculture. Through these actions, students gained a deeper understanding of fertilizer runoff and its impact on ecosystems, the importance of the Great Lakes, and the role of sustainable practices in mitigating climate change.

Reflection & Celebration

To celebrate our achievements, we organized a classroom cooking lesson where we used the produce we grew to make our own salad, which we shared with others in the school. This activity highlighted the fruits of our labour and the importance of healthy, sustainable eating. Additionally, we planted leftover produce plants in the school garden, ensuring that the entire school community benefits from our project. Each student also took home a plant to continue caring for, extending our learning and commitment to sustainability beyond the classroom.

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