Growing Greens In The Classroom: Hydroponics Lab Teaches Kids About Healthy Eating And Science

Washington High School  pharmaceutical science teacher Janice Sprankle is taking the concept of a school garden even further. Sprankle leads a group of high school juniors from Massillon, Ohio, in growing leafy greens in a new way — one done indoors, without using soil. It’s called hydroponics.

Advocates for the approach say it may offer even more benefits than the standard school garden — like teaching kids about not only health and sustainability, but also exposing them to the physics, chemistry, and technology it takes to nurture and grow plants in a controlled environment.

Join producers Lecia Bushak and Mary Fecteau for a peek inside Sprankle's hydroponic lab to find out how it connects healthy eating, sustainability, and science.