CivicSciTv: How students become ‘farmer scientists’ in hydroponic classrooms — From NYC to Birmingham

June 2, 2025

In this episode of CivicSciTV’s “Local Perspectives,” host Diya Dwarakanath interviews Manuela Zamora, executive director of NY Sun Works, a non-profit organization introducing hydroponic labs in classrooms serving over 140,000 students. Hydroponic classrooms are transforming K-12 science education by integrating sustainability, hands-on learning, and food access into the core curriculum. “What better than growing food in your classroom year round with your peers and the teachers and sharing that with your families?” asks Zamora.