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Goal

This project will directly support student achievement by giving second-year agriculture students a hands-on opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a real-world challenge. Our students have already demonstrated proficiency by earning an industry certification, and this project builds on that success by advancing their technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. The need addressed is the improvement of the existing irrigation system for five raised beds in our outdoor growing area, which currently requires frequent manual watering and does not provide consistent coverage.

The objective is for students to research, design, and construct an improved irrigation system that is efficient, sustainable, and aligned with best practices in modern agriculture. Once the raised bed irrigation is improved, students will expand their design skills by addressing various hydroponic systems currently being used. These systems need adjustments and modifications that will not only increase yield but also make them easier to manage on a daily basis. Through this process, students will strengthen their understanding of water management, soil and soilless plant production, and sustainable agriculture techniques.

By engaging in this multi-phase project, students will enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and project-planning skills—competencies that translate into measurable learning gains and increased proficiency across agricultural and STEM standards. Ultimately, this project empowers students to move beyond theory into applied practice. It creates a learning environment where they can see the impact of their decisions on crop yield and plant health, reinforcing mastery of academic content while preparing them for postsecondary education and careers in agriculture and related industries.
 

 

Category

School supplies - Markers, paints, paper, crayons, clay, pencils, sharpies, modeling dough, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

During the 2025–26 school year, second-year agriculture students will take part in a project that combines classroom instruction with hands-on application in the outdoor growing area and hydroponic systems.

In the fall, students will begin by reviewing principles of irrigation, water conservation, and system design. They will evaluate the current irrigation setup for the five raised beds, identify areas for improvement, and develop design proposals.

By winter, students will move into the construction and installation phase, applying their designs to upgrade the raised bed irrigation system. This stage will focus on building technical skills, problem-solving, and teamwork while ensuring the system delivers consistent coverage and efficient water use.

In the spring semester, students will expand the project to hydroponic systems. They will analyze the existing setups, then create and implement modifications that improve both crop yield and ease of management. Throughout the process, students will document their designs, adjustments, and outcomes, allowing them to connect classroom knowledge with practical results.

By the end of the school year, students will present their completed irrigation and hydroponic improvements, along with data on plant growth and increased harvest. These activities will demonstrate measurable learning gains while preparing students for continued success in agriculture coursework, certification opportunities, and future careers.
 

 

Benefits to my students

My students will benefit from this project by gaining meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. They will not just read about irrigation, plant growth, or hydroponics—they will design, build, and test systems themselves. This active participation will help students develop a deeper understanding of agriculture, while also strengthening critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Students will benefit academically as they apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts to create functional growing systems. They will track plant growth, and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of their designs. These activities will increase proficiency in core content areas while building confidence and independence as learners.

All students will have equal opportunities to engage in the work, ensuring that diverse learners can experience success. The project will also prepare students for critical life skills by having them be responsible for tasks, working in groups, leadership and even skills on following directions. Students will learn safety involved around using tools.

The impact of this project will be measured through classroom assessments, student reflections, and teacher observations of skill mastery. Success will also be evaluated through the completion of student-designed projects, the functionality of irrigation and hydroponic systems, and improvements in garden productivity. These outcomes will demonstrate that students not only achieved learning gains but also left a lasting impact on the school community through their work.
 

 

Budget Narrative

The requested $1,000 will be used to purchase essential materials for students to design, build, and maintain an updated irrigation and water management system for the school garden. These supplies will allow students to apply agricultural and engineering concepts in hands-on projects that directly support the goal of improving crop yield, sustainability, and student achievement through real-world problem solving.

PVC pipes, tees, elbows, reducing tees, and cement will provide the structural framework for building irrigation systems. These items will allow students to practice design, measurement, and assembly skills as they create customized water delivery systems for each garden beds. The galvanized pipe straps will ensure secure installation and long-term durability. Adjustable spray head sprinklers will be incorporated into the irrigation design to provide efficient and even water distribution. Students will experiment with placement and water flow to learn how engineering decisions directly affect plant growth and water conservation.

Pressure-treated lumber will be used to construct sturdy frames and supports for the irrigation system. This lumber also provides opportunities for students to practice construction skills, teamwork, and the safe use of tools while expanding the durability of garden infrastructure.

Two magnetic drive pumps and one submersible utility pump will give students the ability to move water effectively through the irrigation system, including for hydroponic applications. Students will learn how to install, test, and maintain pumps, gaining practical knowledge of water movement, flow rates, and system efficiency.

A small portion of the budget has been reserved for potential price increases to ensure all planned purchases can be completed.

Impact on Project Goals
Together, these materials will empower students to plan, construct, and evaluate a fully functional irrigation system. Through this process, students will strengthen their understanding of STEM principles, improve proficiency in agricultural practices, and take ownership of meaningful projects that visibly benefit the school garden. Success will be measured through system functionality, student-led design documentation, and reflection on how their work improved the productivity and sustainability of the growing area. 

 

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