Hydroponics For Kids- What, Why, And How

We all know how curious kids become when they see something new. Learning and playing go hand-in-hand, especially in the garden. Teaching kids the basics of hydroponics is a great way to introduce them to science in concepts in a fun, hands on way. They may also learn to love gardening as an added bonus of hydroponics for kids.

Hydroponics For Kids

What is hydroponics for kids?

Kids love getting their hands dirty, but unfortunately there’s none of that with hydroponics; there’s no soil in sight! Learning about hydroponics will take your child’s initial interest in gardening help them learn about how plants work and how science works.

What is hydroponics for kids exactly? As Study.com says, “Hydroponics is a method for growing plants without using soil. The nutrients that plants need to grow are put into water and then delivered to the roots of the plants.” So hydroponics for kids is all about introducing them to hydroponics and letting them see how it works with their own eyes.

Why teach kids about hydroponics?

Teaching kids about hydroponics is a great way to explain that water is a precious resource and bring home environmental messages early with them. They begin to understand the challenges plants face in the environment; habitat, food supply, ecosystems, reproduction, fertilizers, disease, all important concepts in agriculture and essential learning when it comes to nature and basic biology.

Many kids especially respond to a hands on approach, so taking them to a hydroponics greenhouse is an excellent way to foster their learning. It shows how water and sunlight are needed for growth and introduces the science behind plant growth. They also learn where their food comes from and healthy eating habits.

With hydroponics, kids can learn how sunlight is caught by chlorophyll in plants, then the energy from sunlight is transformed into the nutrients the plant needs to grow. When kids learn that plants breathe differently to we do, their eyes widen with interest. They know we breathe oxygen, but that plants take in carbon dioxide? We breathe in what they produce, showing them how extra important plants are!

How to Teach Hydroponics For Kids

You can even set up your own hands on hydroponics activities at home. I used to do a basic seed growing activity with my kids where they would germinate bean seeds in a wet paper towel. Hydroponics experiments can start off that simple or progress to more complex plant growing activities.

Another simple idea is to get some flower bulbs and grow them in a small bud vase so they can see the roots sprout and grow. I like to do this in the winter with amaryllis and in the spring with hyacinth or tulips.

You may get some great ideas for creating your hydroponic experiments for kids here:

Simple seed jar science experiment

Hydroponics vs. Soil experiment for faster growth

Hydroponics Science Fair Project

Alternatively, you may wish to purchase a hydroponics kit for kids that is easy to assemble and start growing. 

Hydroponics for kids is fun! Encourage your kids to take notes and measure and take photos of their growing plants, so they can track the growth of their plants. I’d love to hear about your hydroponic experiments. Share pics with #familyfocusblog!

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