By 2050, the Earth will reach a population of ~9 billion people. This is an increase of nearly 1.5 billion from 2020. As this number grows, we also deplete more of the world’s natural resources. To combat this, educators across the nation are seeking better methods of sustainability. Pine Hill Middle School in Camden County believes aquaponics is one answer.
During this episode of One-on-One with Steve Adubato, the show host attends the 2019 NJEA Convention. While there, he speaks with Amanda Natalie, a science teacher at Pine Hill Middle School. The two discuss the school’s ongoing sustainable gardening project, which teaches students the importance of alternative farming methods. It also helps students learn how to prepare their own healthy foods and create a self-sustaining home.
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Kids Learn Aquaponics at Pine Hill Middle School
Natalie has been a teacher for 17 years. In addition, she is the recipient of three grants through the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education. The foundation encourages bold, innovative methods of teaching young students. To date, it has awarded public school employees more than $2 million in grants.
Natalie’s idea, for instance, uses aquaponics in order to educate students about sustainability.
“Aquaponics is the use of fish and fish waste, basically, to fertilize vegetables and fruits to grow in a self-contained system,” Natalie explains.
To better make sense of the science, her students maintain an aquaponics system in their classroom. The system first cultivates freshwater animals, primarily fish, in controlled conditions. Then, the waste from the fish accumulates and raises the toxicity level of the water. Finally, the class uses this waste to help grow plants without the need for soil.
To learn more about aquaponics and Natalie’s science class, check out this edition of One-on-One with Steve Adubato.
After that, click here for more stories that impact New Jersey residents.
Top (Hero) Photo: © One-on-One with Steve Adubato / Caucus Educational Corporation