Free Classroom Aquaponics Lesson Plan For STEAM fun

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We try to focus on STEAM in our homeschool because STEAM teaches kids applicable life skills. Take this classroom aquaponics lesson plan for example…

Are you tired of the same old classroom activities? Looking for a hands-on, engaging way to teach your homeschoolers or students about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM)?

Well, we’ve got just the thing for you! Get ready to dive into the exciting world of aquaponics for kids.

In this blog post, we’re going to share a free classroom aquaponics lesson plan that will captivate young minds and ignite their curiosity.

Whether you’re a homeschool parent or a teacher, this unique STEAM experience is bound to make a splash in your educational journey.

Learning STEAM with a Classroom Aquaponics

One of the reasons we try to focus on STEAM in our homeschool is because STEAM teaches kids applicable life skills. Without STEAM, kids would grow up to become robots, incapable of thinking for themselves, never able to do anything outside the box. This month, we decided to learn STEAM with classroom aquaponics systems.

A classroom aquaponics is similar to a hydroponics, only with added fish.  The type of fish you add is very flexible.  Many people have big systems and use tilapia (for food production) or other legal aquatic animals.  We personally use goldfish because they’re cheap and small.  

If you don’t want to include fish in your aquaponics system, just omit them (easy enough) and voila – instant hydroponic system.  Did you know that there is so much that can be learned from an aquaponics system?

Gardening teaches kids about how plants grow and we can raise our own food.  Raising fish teaches kids how to care for a pet, and fish tanks also give us a miniature glimpse into what life might be like in the ocean.

An aquaponic system teaches kids all this, and so much more! That’s why we love aquaponics for kids!

An aquaponic system takes a fish tank environment, combines it with a plant-based environment, and creates a symbiotic relationship between the two.

In this symbiotic relationship, the fish provide extra nutrients for the plants. As the water flows, fish food turns to fish waste (poop), which then provides fertilizer for the plants.  Plants provide a nice filter for the water, thus cleaning the fish tank and improving water quality.

The plants and fish work together to create a better environment for everybody. You can read more about aquaponics on Wikipedia’s website.

Aquaponics School Project

Making an aquaponics school project is really quite simple – and at the same time, there is a lot more to it than you might think.

An aquaponics system has a couple of main parts – the tank (healthy environment for fish to live in), the grow bed (healthy environment for plants to grow in), the fish, the plants, and the grow light.

Sounds simple, right?

Yes! And no…

There are SO many options when it comes to setting up your own aquaponics system.

There are pre-made aquaponic kits you can buy and assemble. Or you can piece-meal parts and create your own.

When you google ‘aquaponics system’, you will find so many options and ideas. Honestly, if you want to set up a classroom aquaponics, you definitely can!

There are options for every budget, skill level, age range, and space availability.  Got elementary kids who want to have some STEAM fun?  Aquaponics.  Middle school or high school students who want to engage in a project that includes engineering, science, technology, and all those other STEAM components?  Aquaponics baby.  An aquaponic system is the perfect way to incorporate so many learning opportunities into a fun, multi-grade level project.

As long as you make sure your system has all the required components, the sky is the limit!

So when we decided to use an aquaponics system as our next school project, we knew there was no stopping us.

Indoor Aquaponics Makes a Fun STEAM Project

The purpose of this classroom aquaponics system was to provide our homeschool with a cool STEAM project. So, of course, we decided to make an indoor aquaponics that would fit nicely in our schoolroom.

And because this was going to be a STEAM project for the kids, we put the kids in charge. We were there to shop, answer questions, and run power tools. But other than that, this indoor aquaponics was a school project completed entirely by the kids.

What did our students learn from this classroom aquaponics?

Besides the details behind the symbiotic relationship between fish and plants, the kids also got to learn about:

• Building and maintaining a fish tank
• How water pumps work and how to make one of their own
• Why fish need oxygenated water
• What plants need to survive and thrive
• What kind of glues adhere to what surfaces
• How to determine the amount of water needed to maintain both fish and plants
• How to enjoy and appreciate art
• Nurturing a creative mind, body, and spirit
• And so much MORE!

The Benefits of Aquaponics for Kids

Aquaponics isn’t just another science experiment – it’s an educational goldmine for kids! The benefits of introducing aquaponics to young minds are vast and far-reaching.

Firstly, aquaponics provides a hands-on learning experience that seamlessly combines multiple disciplines. From biology and chemistry to engineering and environmental science, kids get to explore a diverse range of subjects in a fun and interactive way. It encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity as they navigate the intricate ecosystem of plants and fish working together harmoniously.

Aquaponics also teaches kids about the importance of sustainable practices and responsible food production. By witnessing the symbiotic relationship between plants and fish, children gain a deeper understanding of how our actions impact the environment. They learn the significance of conserving resources, reducing waste, and cultivating nutritious food in a more eco-friendly manner.

Aquaponics can also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in children. As they care for the plants and monitor the well-being of the fish, they develop empathy and a connection to nature. They witness firsthand the impact of their actions and learn to nurture and respect living organisms. These valuable life lessons extend beyond the classroom, instilling values of environmental stewardship and empathy for all living beings.

So, by introducing aquaponics to your homeschool or classroom, you’re not only imparting knowledge but also cultivating a deep appreciation for the environment, sustainable practices, and the wonders of nature in the hearts and minds of your kids. It’s an educational journey like no other!

Get Your Free Classroom Aquaponics Lesson Plan

If you’re interested, you can download a detailed summary of our lesson plan.  This free lesson plan can easily be adapted for the elementary grade levels, middle school, and high school students.  (This is just one of the benefits of following a large family homeschool – all of our resources are made to accommodate a large range of ages.)

Get the FREE Classroom Aquaponics Lesson Plan!

Classroom Aquaponics Lesson Plan

Aquaponics Kits and Tools

Are you going to learn about aquaponics in your classroom?

There are many pre-made kits available. Like these great Amazon options. Just put them together and GO!

Or for a more in-depth STEAM experience, gather the individual materials and build your own.

More detailed tips and suggestions for this method can be found in the Classroom Aquaponics Lesson Plan.

More STEM Resources for Kids

If you liked this activity, you are going to love the STEM Made Easy Books. Each book includes 10 STEM projects along with instructions for how to make them fun and engaging for kids ages 3-19. Take a look at the third edition, the Gardening Edition. Or read more about the books in this article on homeschool STEM curriculum.

Want a free chapter sample? Sign up to get a complete project chapter sent to you so you can see exactly what’s inside each of the STEM Made Easy books.

I’ve also got this ultimate list of STEAM and STEM activities for kids of all ages if you want to take a look.

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Free Classroom Aquaponics Lesson Plan For You