Hydroponics iBlock Topics

Geometric Self-Watering Planter

iBlock Objective:

Are you looking for a creative, project-based way to teach your students about computer-aided design? In this iBlock, students will construct a geometric self-watering planter in Tinkercad. This project will utilize advanced skills in CAD software and challenge students to think mathematically while designing.

  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: CAD
  • Secondary Focus: Geometry
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer, laser cutter, micro:bit soil moisture sensor
  • Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources; Marketing, Sales, & Services

 

Here is a sample NGSS standard for this iBlock:

6-7.G Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and volume.

Growing a Hydroponic Garden

iBlock Objective:

Agriculture has always been one of the building blocks of human civilization. Humanity has changed a lot since civilization first began, and that includes the way we grow our plants. In this iBlock, students will explore different agricultural structures and incorporate emerging resources to cultivate a technologically enhanced botanical space. Students will also tackle challenges like growing plants in space-conscious environments for a rapidly growing population, and together discover the future of sustainable gardening.

  • Grade Band: 9-12
  • Primary Focus: Ecology, Engineering
  • Secondary Focus: STEM
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Possible Suggested Technologies: Farmshelf, pi-top 4
  • Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources


 

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. (HS-ESS3-4)

No Poverty and Zero Hunger

iBlock Objective:

When the United Nations created its Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, they stressed the importance of addressing world poverty and hunger. The first goal aims to eliminate poverty, while the second goal aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. In this iBlock, students will work to help the UN achieve these goals by designing a window planter that will produce low-cost, high-yield crops in the most efficient manner possible.

  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: STEM
  • Secondary Focus: Math
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer, Labdisc
  • Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources


 

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling. (Next Generation Science Standards, MS-LS2-5)

Hydroponics