As farmers markets prepare to open around Carson Valley, students from Minden Elementary School and 15 other Northern Nevada schools grow hydroponics at the first giant student farmers market Wednesday at Fuji Park in Carson City. Get a head start with plants.
As part of a project-based learning curriculum through Green Our Planet, students use hydroponics (a technique for growing plants using water-based nutrient solutions rather than soil) to grow lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes in the classroom. I grew plants such as
Minden, Menery, Riverview, Fritsch, Empire, Huffaker Elementary Schools and Pau Le Wa Middle Schools are also participating.
Riley Phillips, a third-grader at Minden Elementary School, said she enjoys working with her classmates on hydroponics and watching plants grow.
“Hydroponics is now my favorite way to grow plants,” she said. “I always thought that plants needed soil, but I found out that this is not the case with hydroponics, because the way we grow plants in my class is to grow them in water. Because I thought it was really great.”
Based in Las Vegas and founded by filmmakers and entrepreneurs Clara Byrne and Kim McCurry, Green Our Planet is “giving back to the community” by empowering students to grow food and connect through STEM curriculum. Our mission is to build a movement of joy and justice.
Woody Worthington, Director of Green Our Planet National Partnerships and Special Envoy for Northern and Rural Nevada, said 46 states, more than 1,020 schools, and nearly all schools in Douglas County use the Green Our Planet curriculum. said.
“These students have been enthusiastically growing plants throughout the school year,” Worthington said.
To take growth to the next level, schools are now participating in farmers markets, providing food for students through lunch salad bars, filling school pantries, and encouraging families to grow their own gardens at home. You may even share it with others.
“The relevance it brings to the classroom is amazing,” said Minden Elementary School Principal Crespin Esquivel. “We have students who started here as well as at home. They're excited about what they're doing at school and transferring back home and ultimately into their future.”
Farmers market experience expands the curriculum to include marketing, sales, accounting, cash handling, and entrepreneurship.
“It's more than just growing crops; students are learning valuable lessons in financial literacy,” Worthington said.
There are two systems that schools can participate in: Hydro Connect (hydroponics) and Garden Connect (outdoor gardens). Green Our Planet provides all the materials and teacher support you need to get started.
The materials include 19 small tabletop hydroponic units and one large 4×4 unit for each school, providing K-12 education that aligns with Nevada's robust science standards. Also includes curriculum. A virtual academy system of videos, online accommodations, and one-on-one coaching is available to ensure teacher and administrator success.
On Wednesday, students will sell plants and crafts they grow in the classroom at the farmers market at Fuji Park, 601 Old Clear Creek Road, Carson City. All profits are reinvested into the school's garden program.
The Just-A-Drop-In Farmers Market begins May 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and runs Wednesday through September at Heritage Park in Gardnerville.
According to the city of Minden, the Esmeralda Farmers Market has been postponed until May 21 and will be held on Tuesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. until September 24.
