Independent school districts in Kentucky typically are smaller than their county run counterparts. While in many instances this allows for more specialized attention to certain issues, it also can create instances where limited staff positions and facilities hinder the ability to offer specialized forms of instruction.  The presence of Agricultural Education programs virtually are non-existent in these city systems. Students in these and other public school districts should have access to contemporary Agriscience curriculum.  Kentucky State University (KSU) is taking this premise and converting it into action by assisting Russellville Independent High School with the framework for one of the most innovative instructional models in agriculture…Aquaponics.  Aquaponics is the combination of fish production or Aquaculture and Hydroponics, which is the growth of plants in a soil-less media.

Having visited the school while working with teachers and community volunteers at the Russellville Urban Garden Project, KSU Extension Associate Mason Crawford, envisioned and offered to assist in the creation of an Aquaponics system.  An underutilized greenhouse on the middle and high school campus serves as a home for the custom designed 1000 gallon production model that grows Tilapia fish which in turn provide nitrogen and other essential nutrients for a variety of leafy vegetable plants.  Having no Agriculture program and subsequently no Agriculture teacher, a collaborative effort among existing school staff and KSU Land Grant personnel was embarked upon.  An evolving project, first steps included making repairs to the greenhouse and setting up the fish tanks, filtration equipment, 4” pvc pipes to house the tube cultures and larger reservoirs for floating gardens.  Once stocked during a school wide Agriculture Expo, growth trials and water quality testing were initiated.

The culminating event for the inaugural batch of fish, whose production was incorporated into the curriculum of the existing classes, was a farm to table meal for school and community stakeholders, that was highlighted by school raised fish and leafy greens. Given the success and engagement by students, teachers and administration, Russellville High added Aquaponics as a stand-alone elective course the subsequent year.  The keen interest of the diverse group of students, the innovation of the Biology teacher and referral from this Extension Associate led to Russellville High being selected as the pilot site for implementation of aquaponics curriculum funded by a United States Department of Agriculture Capacity Building Grant.  Using this and other coursework, including the initial greenhouse system, ten students currently are thriving in this hands-on performance based class.  One of the most accomplished students oversees the daily water quality testing and is considering attending Kentucky State University to major is Aquaculture.  Moving forward, the collaborative vision among stakeholders will, as a local teacher relayed, “lead to even more students from our community enjoying and learning about opportunities available to them”.