The goal of this program was to provide secondary schools more authentic, hands-on experiential learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and specifically, project-based investigation (PBI) environments in the classroom that focus on real-world problems relevant to students’ experiences, interest, and lives that manifest the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) following practices they prescribe.  The program also provided teachers opportunities to facilitate and create authentic science learning environments that promote student learning of scientific concepts while piquing their interest in STEM related disciplines and/or career pathways.

A ten-week “AG-STEM Education” program was implemented in four different science classrooms.  The program provided opportunities for Kentucky State University’s (KSU’s) Cooperative Extension Program to collaborate with secondary schools and build stronger relationships with students, teachers, and school administrators in the central and western Kentucky area.  Notably, 55 9^th and 10^th graders and 3 science teachers participated in the authentic, aquaponics PBI unit as the treatment groups.  The primary goal of the program was to engage students in learning science, initiate affective attitudes and interest in their local environments, and potentially pique their interests in STEM, and aquaculture/aquaponics fields as a career choice.  

My role in the program was to educate participants specifically about the importance of aquaculture both locally, nationally, and globally during each field visit.  Further, teachers and students were educated by the Project Director (PD) on how to integrate authentic, aquaponics PBI activities in the classroom.   The long-term outcome of the program was to get participants interested in ag-STEM related fields of study and STEM career pathways while at the same time forging relationships with teachers and school administrators.  I also aimed to increase participants’ awareness about KSU and their agriculture-STEM education programs.  It is my aspiration that KSU can continue to build partnerships with teachers and school administrators throughout the Commonwealth.   

Participants in the USDA/NIFA Capacity Building grant have recently completed the project and reflected on the experience. Two teachers shared student success stories with the PD.  Tanya Mullen of Russellville High School said one of her former aquaponics students is using his class data in a project at the Gatton Academy.  The student’s mom told Mullen that “aquaponics has completely changed his thinking and what he would like to do with his life.” Mullen said she is thankful for the “wonderful opportunity that RHS has been given.”  Cara Perry of Fleming County High School shared excerpts of a student’s written reflection about the project. “I want to help others and I feel like I can make a difference, but I have a passion for science and discovery,” the student wrote. “Aquaponics has fueled this passion as well due to the hands-on research we do with our fish and things such as how food affects the water quality. This type of work feeds my curiosity and passion for science.” Perry said she is so proud of this student, and that all of her students loved working with Kentucky State University.