Sophomores Jasmine Luedtke, Vanessa Simmons, and Reese Bradford monitor progress of recently planted seeds.
OHS biology students are using fish tanks and clay pebbles to learn about aquaponics. Aquaponics is a cooperation between plants and fish to grow plants in a soil-less environment.
Interested students signed up for the learning extension activity during their Connections time on Mondays. Biology instructor, Jen Chesnut, has two systems set up. Systems include fish tanks, fish, growing medium, and water pumps. Students are experimenting with a variety of seeds, including lettuce, catnip, radishs, wild flowers, and beans to determine which plants are successful in this type of system.
Currently, students are monitoring the ph level of the water and which seeds are sproating. Students will learn about different growing conditions as well as nutrient cycles.
The systems will be incorporated into an ecology unit later this school year.
