By: Sutton Rizzo
Caption: Mr. Kopich’s Block 1 Class Working on Their Vertical Farming Project in Mr. McCue’s room
Mr. Kopich’s Block 1 Class is working on an exciting new project: vertical farming. Vertical farming is growing plants in vertical layers in an indoor environment. After learning about the process, the class decided they would try it. In coordination with Mr. Granville and Dr. LaCoe, they got a room and made two plans to present to them. After presenting the plans to Mr. Granville and Dr. LaCoe. After making a few edits, they ordered the materials.
The materials arrived, so it was time for the class to get to work. The two plans were vastly different, but the class planned to compare the two to see which one worked more efficiently. One plan consisted of putting plants in little trays on shelving units and using LED lights as a model sun. The other plan was to use pipes that flow down into a storage bin, where the water is reused. The plants would be put in cups, which are put into holes drilled in the pipes.
In coordination with Mr. McCue, the class helped in making the pipe system. They now are building the shelving plan. They are planning on growing plants that take less than 3 weeks to be harvested due to the lack of time left in the year. Some of these include broccoli, kale, and arugula. Overall, this is a beneficial thing for our school. It is a great hands-on project for students, and the class has plans to donate some of the plants grown to be used in our own cafeteria.
