Why Hydroponics?

Hydroponics, or growing plants without soil, allows schools and communities across Utah to grow their own food YEAR ROUND. There are no concerns about weather patterns or insects, and the produce is fresh each day. The STEM Action Center receives financial support from the Utah STEM Foundation and its industry members to purchase hydroponics units and supplies.

Students benefit by developing durable skills from this hands-on learning which aligns to Utah Science Standards. Educators are provided manuals and tools to easily integrate hydroponics into their classrooms.

Hydroponics Program Progression

The STEM Action Center’s Hydroponics Program has both evolved and expanded over the past 5-6 years. What began as a piloted use of a single, commercial unit, expanded to multi-unit production. As demand increased, the program transitioned to a more hands-on, cost-effective unit, which allows for scaling of the program statewide.

The STEM Action Center continues to build the Hydroponics Community of Practice to all growers through a quarterly newsletter and regional HydroMasters who support each site. Additional school and community sites will be awarded each year, adding to the collective knowledge of Hydroponics in Utah.

Two indoor hydroponics setups with students and plants; project phases and partnerships listed.

Introducing Our HydroMasters

HydroMasters are affiliated with higher education partners and are strategically located in identified regional areas which will provide statewide coverage for schools and community partners. Our HydroMasters will develop Utah-directed curriculum materials that are easily accessible and relevant to support classroom instruction.