How It Works: Creating Hands-On Learning Spaces in K-12 Classrooms
NY Sun Works is a non-profit organization that builds Hydroponic Classrooms in K-12 schools to teach the science of sustainability and climate education through the lens of urban farming. We work with our partner schools to retrofit existing classrooms into state-of-the-art Hydroponic Classrooms. By incorporating high-tech farming technologies directly into school environments, we offer a cost-effective solution for experiential learning in city schools. From initial classroom feasibility assessments to hydroponic lab design, our comprehensive approach ensures a seamless transformation of existing classrooms into dynamic educational spaces.
Our programming includes long-term training and support, allowing students to engage deeply with the science of sustainability from seed-to-harvest. Hydroponic Classrooms not only support hands-on, project-based learning but also align with the Next Generation Science Standards and enhance the daily educational experience. As Farmer Scientists, students explore crucial topics such as plant biology, ecology, and environmental impact, cultivating both knowledge and fresh produce that benefit their communities and beyond. These innovative transformations ensure that the Hydroponic Classroom not only enhances daily learning during the regular school day but also prepares students to exceed NYC’s science standards.
Each Hydroponic Classroom Includes:
-
Integrated
Hydroponic
Growing Systems -
Year-Long, Standards-
Aligned, Grade-Specific
Science Curriculum -
Comprehensive
Teacher Training
and Mentoring -
Hydroponic
Farming Technical
Training -
Harvest Program
Community
Engagement -
Year-Round
Maintenance
Support
Providing Training, Curriculum, and Comprehensive Support:
- Comprehensive Standards-Aligned K-12 Curriculum
- NY Sun Works provides a year-round, innovative, grade-specific interdisciplinary science curriculum, housed in the online Learning Center. Our lesson plans are thoughtfully designed to transform students into Farmer Scientists to explore the intricate connection between humans, technology, and the environment and their direct relationship to climate change – all while growing hundreds of pounds of fresh produce to share with their families and school communities.
- Professional Development
- NY Sun Works provides one-on-one and group training sessions with our curriculum specialists to help teachers integrate the Discovering Sustainability Science curriculum into their current school program.
- Weekly Support Visits
- NY Sun Works Hydroponic Specialists provide weekly support visits to our partner schools to help maintain the Hydroponic Classrooms, provide all necessary supplies, and mentor teachers throughout the school year.
- Community Engagement
- NY Sun Works will work with your school to “bring the harvest home,” extending the concepts learned in the Hydroponic Classroom to the larger community. Through the Harvest Program, students and their families receive regular distributions of the fresh produce grown in the classroom.
Explore Success Stories From Our Partner Schools
Using Principal’s Budget, PTA or Donor Funds
Principal Rodriguez, inspired by a thriving NY Sun Works Hydroponic Classroom at a nearby school, reached out to learn more. After discussing the program with the school staff, she decided to bring this innovative approach to her own elementary school.
Meeting with the NY Sun Works team, Principal Rodriguez explored program details and costs. With funding secured from the school’s budget, she arranged for a visit to assess the selected room’s suitability. After confirming the room had a functioning sink and the required number of electrical outlets, NY Sun Works designed a floor plan for the Hydroponic Classroom, which was promptly approved by Principal Rodriguez. Following the processing of the purchase order, installation began the next month. In-person teacher training, maintenance support, and curriculum integration sessions ensured a seamless transition into science classes that same school year. From initial contact to the start of operations, the entire process spanned just six weeks.
Applying for City Capital Funding
Excited about the potential of a Hydroponic Classroom, educator Mr. Davis secured his principal’s support and attended a NY Sun Works Information Session to explore the program further. Identifying that the school did not have an available room with a sink and sufficient electrical outlets, he collaborated with NY Sun Works to apply for capital funding from the school’s city council member and borough president in February 2022. With streamlined support from NY Sun Works, the application process was completed in only minutes.
Over the summer, the school received a capital grant, enabling a comprehensive room renovation and the implementation of the Hydroponic Classroom. Following meetings with NY Sun Works and the DOE-assigned project manager and general contractor, the school approved the floor plan and scope of work. Construction began the following winter, with the renovated room ready for use by the start of the new school year in September 2023. Despite the longer timeline associated with capital funding, it proved to be an ideal solution, facilitating both classroom construction and program funding for the hydroponic lab.
PROGRAM FUNDING AND INFORMATION SESSIONS
Funding can come from a variety of sources: Capital Grants from local elected officials, school budgets, small grants, parent fundraising/crowdfunding, or corporate partnerships.
*NY Sun Works is a DOE Vendor: # NEW670312-01
Learn more about how to bring a Hydroponic Classroom to your school by joining a virtual information session. Check out our upcoming Information Sessions for details.
