Erica Lunsford reported on an innovative approach to education at the Bronx School for Continuous Learners. New York Sun Works, a nonprofit organization, is integrating hydroponic farming into classrooms. This method uses technology to grow plants without soil, relying solely on water and nutrients.
Special education teacher Raisa Maruri emphasizes the importance of sensory input for her students. The hands-on approach of hydroponic farming allows students to see, touch, hear, and use their senses to learn. This has proven to be an amazing experience for her students.
Manuela Zamora, executive director of New York Sun Works, highlights the program's reach. It is implemented in 250 public schools across New York City's five boroughs, including District 75 schools. Students learn about germination phases and healthier eating habits through this innovative lab.
Fifth graders Richard Lopez and Hallie Medina expressed their enthusiasm for this new learning style. They enjoy growing plants and learning about how they can thrive with just water and nutrients. The hydroponic lab also encourages healthier eating habits among students, providing them with fresh vegetables grown in the classroom.
Zamora and Maruri emphasize the broader impact of the program. Students learn about science, food cultivation, and nutrition. They also harvest hundreds of pounds of vegetables annually, which are consumed by the students and distributed within their communities.