SciTech 11
Hydroponics Assignment
Mr. Heinrich
Name:
Introduction:
Hydroponics is the growing of plants without soil. Plant roots are supplied with a
solution, which contains all of the essential nutrients necessary for plant growth and
development. Because these plants spend less energy seeking out nutrients, they grow
and develop more rapidly than plants grown in soil.
Each plant grown in a hydroponics system, which gives mechanical support and delivers
nutrient solution directly to the plants roots, must also be provided with sunlight or
artificial light and adequate ventilation for proper gas exchange to take place. There are
many hydroponics systems in which a plant can be grown and the systems vary in
complexity. The simplest system can be easily constructed out of a plastic soda bottle.
The most complex systems might consist of multiple containers, pumps, timers, and
movable light systems. For classroom use, simple systems work best with quick results,
but as the students learn, more elaborate systems can be introduced.
Hydroponics Research:
We will be soon be growing some vegetables in the classroom using a hydroponic
system, which means you need a general understanding of plant biology and hydroponic
systems.
Part A: Basic Plant Biology
1. Visit http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/plants/plant/anatomy.GIF
and label the picture below:
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SciTech 11
Mr. Heinrich
2. Name the process that plants use to create sugar (carbohydrates):
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3. Where does this process occur? (Be as specific as possible)
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4. Write a word or formula equation for the process:
_____________________________
5. Why are plants green?
_____________________________
Part B: Hydroponic Systems
6. List 4 basic types of hydroponic systems. Include a brief description and a labeled
diagram of each.
System Type
Description
Diagram
You may wish to visit: http://www.simplyhydro.com/freesys.htm
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Mr. Heinrich
7. Of the systems you described above, which do you think you would be the best for
our classroom? Explain your answer.
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8. List 3 different vegetables and/or herbs that grow well in hydroponic systems. For
each, try to find the optimal pH, nutrient (food) requirements, light requirements, and
possible pests.
Vegetable/Herb Optimal
pH
Nutrient Needs
Light Needs
Pests
9. List 3 advantages of growing vegetables using hydroponic systems:
1.
2.
3.
10. List 3 disadvantages of growing vegetables using hydroponic systems:
1.
2.
3.
11. What are macronutrients? Include several examples.
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SciTech 11
Mr. Heinrich
12. What are micronutrients? Include several examples.
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13. What different sources/kinds of light can be used in hydroponics systems?
(http://www.easyhydroponics.net/)
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14. What is a water-culture system? (http://www.easyhydroponics.net/)
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15. Draw a labeled diagram of a basic water culture system:
(http://www.easyhydroponics.net/)
16. List 5 different growing media that can be used with hydroponic systems, and
include a brief description (note if it holds water or not) of each:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Mr. Heinrich
17. Some experts recommend that you propagate the plants (grow small plants from
seeds) before placing them in a hydroponic system. Describe the process for lettuce.
(http://www.k12.hi.us/~ckuroda/hydrotimeline.htm -> Click Unit 3)
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