David Martindale, Brian Zetzsche, John Cavaliere, and Katie Ward

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Building an Aquaponics System,” focuses on immersing students in a world of continuous experiential learning by building an Aquaponics/Vertical Farming System. Teachers will use this project as real-world experience for their students in their chosen fields. With the Voya grant, students can interactively learn valuable Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts, as well as be inspired by ideas that will benefit the ecosystem. Collaborating with their partner school, Marchman Technical School, the team will bring together programs such as robotics, electrical, cyber security, welding, commercial arts and culinary to create an authentic, multidisciplinary project that brings different skills together to build a working system. The team hopes to provide both, their high school and partner technical school with a showcase exhibit that will represent the knowledge and skills taught to prepare students for today's workforce.