Aquaponics at Cranbury In 2014, Cranbury School created a Susataibility Initiative. This promise encourages students to become stewards of their environment, by participating and problem solving real world issues. Through our Aquaponics Programs, Cranbury students learn about sustainability and water conservation.
The main part of the program, our Aquaponic System, lives in our school cafeteria. Students are in charge of the system, water testing, monitoring plant and fish health on a daily basis. Throughout classrooms in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade, studens lare learning about Water Conservation, the nitrogen Cycle and the symbiotic relationship between plants and fish within our Aquaponics system.
This past November, Cranbury students partnered with schools in Uganda and Puerto Rico to participate in The World Water Monitoring Challenge. Students around the globe are engaged in Water Testing of local water sources. Our 1st graders water tested two sources, Brainard Lake and the Bay behind Dr. Genco's home. Students tested the water for PH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. http://www.monitorwater.org
Resources and articles about Aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, and food security
The practice of raising fish in rice paddies has been practiced for over 1500 years. Not only do fish offer nutrients to the plants, they regulate nitrogen which reduces the need for fertilizer and pesticides.