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HISTORY OF THE LAB
* The idea for the lab was conceived in 1995
* In March 1996, Perth County's first educational hydroponic
lab was in operation
* 120 feet of six inch, PVC sanitary drain provided us with
our first growing space
* In September 1996, we expanded to 240 feet of growing
lines
* May 1997, saw the addition of two Ebb & Flow tables
* September 1997, a third table will be added, plus a
"cold" room will constructed for the cool season crops
* Currently we are growing, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce,
cucumbers, and herbs
* All produce grown is sold to the cafeteria, staff and
students
WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
"The hands-on approach made learning interesting and fun."
L. Phillips - Grade 10
"The hydroponics lab was an excellent learning
environment. It was great practical work."
A. Crapper - Grade 11
"As a student, I enjoyed the fact that we had the
responsibility to ensure successful plant development through our daily observations and
applications." J.
Kneider - Grade 11
"The hydroponics lab is a great hands-on experience.
Not only did I learn lots, but I had fun." L.
Bell - Grade 12
"The hydroponics lab was an invaluable hands-on
experience. It put the learned classroom knowledge to the "real" test producing
results only a student involved could appreciate." K. Laskey - OAC
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
* Students from Northwestern have been, and are involved in all phases of the labs
operation
CONSTRUCTION
* Students from the Manufacturing classes fabricated the steel supports for the lines
* Construction classes were responsible for the fabrication and installation of
the pipe
OPERATION
* The daily operation of the lab is the responsibility of the Horticulture classes who
perform such duties as:
-seeding
-transplanting
-pollinating
-harvesting
-daily monitoring
-adding nutrients
-adjusting the pH
-cleaning
HORTICULTURE AT NWSS
* Hydroponics is just one component in the Horticulture program. Other areas of study
include:
*Botany
*Arboriculture *Landscape Design
*Computer Aided Design *Soils *Fertilizers
*Insects & Disease *Turf management *Floral
Design *Seasonal change
"The horticulture class not only taught students about
plants, soils, and chemicals, but we learned that it takes responsibility and hard work to
cultivate a garden. I also believe that most students by the end of the semester, had
feelings of pride and confidence, that resulted from the positive production of our
hydroponics lab."
C. Mitchell - OAC
For more information contact:
Michael Lynch, Horticulture
Teacher
Stratford Northwestern Secondary School
428 Forman Avenue
Stratford, Ontario
Canada
N5A 6R7
519-271-9740
519-271-7834 (fax)
E-mail
Michael_Lynch@fcmail.avonmaitland.on.ca
