How Does Aquaponics Work? | Video, Handout, and Worksheets

Aquaponics is a very important system that turns the waste from fish and a variety of other aquatic animals into plant food for hydroponic plants and allows them the ability to filter and therefore purify water. Hydroponically grown plants are those that are grown without soil; instead, an alternative substance is used in its place to support the roots and the crop is grown directly in water that is filled with nutrients to help it thrive. An example of a plant that is grown in a hydroponic system is lettuce, and just think, the lettuce you eat was grown with the waste of a fish!

How is this system possible?

Have students learn:

– What is aquaponic food production?

– Aquaponics design

– Aquaponics and how bacteria gather in the spaces between the roots of the plants

– How plants convert fish waste into substances that plants can use to grow

Could be a study guide, in-class activity, sub-plan, or homework. This lesson plan is a good supporting resource for someone setting up for an aquaponics science project or raising fish in the classroom.

Format:

– Video mp4 file

– Handout PDF file

– Worksheets in 3 formats: Google, fillable PDF, and fully editable

– Link to blog with embedded video (in worksheet)