An introduction to the process of growing plants without the use of soil developed by the 4-H program at the University of Tennessee. This signature program comes with a teacher's guide, student activity handbook, and a collection of slide decks to accompany each of the 8 activities designed to be a primer into the science and basic processes behind the management of a functional soilless growing system. A hydroponics system is not required to conduct these activities.
For Teachers
Supported Curricular Resources – See Overview Document for Details
- Hydroponics: Soilless Growing Systems - Shop 4-H Link to Curriculum
- Teacher Guide Presentation Slides – Contact Mark Becker to receive a copy of the presentation slides to accompany the 8 activities. Topics include:
- An Introduction to Soilless Growing Systems
- Connecting to the Big Picture of Agriculture
- Types of Soilless Growing Systems
- Soil as a Limited, Valuable Resource
- Soilless Substrates
- Water and Air Capacity
- Plant Nutrition
- Plant Nutrition Solution Management
Key Concepts
- Agriculture
- Biological Science
- College Readiness
- Entrepreneurship
- Environment
- Food Advocacy
- Foods & Nutrition
- Leadership
- Local Foods
- Plant Science
- Technology & Engineering
For Youth Grades 8-12; In-School and After-School programs
- Learn about plant science basics and plant care skills.
- Create opportunities for understanding the application of STEM skills in the context of Agriculture & Food Systems.
- Introduce skills and concepts required for the proper management of hydroponic soilless growing systems.
- Practice teamwork and collaboration skills in the context of plant care and gardening.
- Strengthen their understanding of where their food comes from through hands-on learning.
- Horticulture, Small Farms/Local Foods Educators and SNAP-Ed Educators
- Community and civic organizations
- In-School and After-School programs
- Local farmers and food producers
- Local greenhouses