No matter where a school is located in Canada, indoor growing systems can offer a lot of benefits, but choosing the right system and maximizing it for your school’s location and goals can feel overwhelming. This series featured guest speakers from schools who shared their first-hand learning experiences from getting started to the impacts their projects have had in their schools.
This is a 2-part series open to anyone interested in learning more about hydroponics and indoor growing. Please see the links below for the webinar recordings.
In part 1 of our series, we explored how hydroponics can be used for food production and food literacy, we gained insights into choosing the best system for your school, and provided essential tips for system maintenance and troubleshooting common challenges. We also heard first hand experiences from two teachers who have successfully incorporated hydroponics into their classrooms. This dynamic session is sure to boost your knowledge and confidence to make the most of hydroponics in your school!
Scott has taught at W.P. Wagner High School in Edmonton, Alberta for 8 years. He has been teaching a program called Natural Science (formerly Horticulture) for 5 years out of a 5000 sqft Greenhouse. Most major projects taking place in the Greenhouse have focused on growing food. The Natural Science program has tried out many types of hydroponics (NFT, DWC, Kratke, Dutch Bucket, and more) with varying levels of success. Composting is also an important part of the program’s daily duties and there are several composting systems set up inside and outside (pile composting, vermiculture, bin composting, bokashi, etc.)
Simon Jacob Memorial Education Centre
Webequie First Nation, Webequie, ON
Jordan Nicholas Kane, a Toronto Canadian father, educator, Christian, and musician, employs a unique teaching style and personal etiquette to deliver high-quality education. Jordan’s professionalism extends beyond education, encompassing personal life, business, and relationships. He is self-motivated, results-driven, and passionate about scholarly evolution, demonstrating discipline and professionalism. Jordan, a 20-year educator, aims to provide exceptional education by integrating the Ontario Curriculum with other disciplines for a comprehensive learning experience. Jordan plans to complete his Doctorate, teaching real-world skills like teamwork, cooperation, tolerance, perseverance, respect, and independent thinking in education to produce quality graduates.
This workshop covered techniques of indoor growing in your classroom including starting seedlings and best practices for growing microgreens. We also covered how to set up your grow station, grow in the classroom setting, and much more!
Paul has been growing microgreens in his grade 5/6 classroom at Arthur Hatton for 10 years. Students sell the microgreens to local restaurants every week. He and his class also oversee a large school garden at the school and attend the local Farmer’s Market every year.
Marcus Lobb, Provincial Manager of Farm to School BC, has 14 years of experience supporting school food initiatives, including designing and implementing schoolyard gardens and cooking programs in Quebec and British Columbia. His passion for food systems and education can be traced back to his childhood as the grandson of an avid gardener who grew the tastiest cherry tomatoes. Marcus is a sixth-generation settler joining from the Lekwungen homelands.
