Nicole Bay and Christian Kollegger

Bay’s and Kollegger’s innovative teaching idea, “Urban Farming for Food & STEM,” focuses on increasing student learning and achievement via a school-wide initiative in which they will engage in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines in urban farming. By designing and experimenting with systems that utilize aquaponics, hydroponics, hanging gardens, indoor greenhouses, and outside gardens, students will experience a full range of year-round, urban farming techniques to address the food deserts in our community. The teachers hope students and their families will benefit from the food they grow and will gain knowledge that could open future directions and career options. The team has already begun to work with community resources, including a local university, 4-H, master gardeners, and local businesses to share their expertise with the students. Ultimately, the students will learn valuable and transferable STEM skills while making a difference for their school, families and communities.