Installing hydroponics projects in schools

Growing Green traveled to the San Carlos Reservation to design and install a solar-powered, 3D-printed vertical hydroponics system at Our Savior Lutheran School in Peridot, bringing hands-on sustainability education to 3rd through 5th grade students. In a region where extreme heat, water scarcity, and limited access to fresh produce make traditional farming challenging, this work is especially important.

After developing the system and curriculum and piloting it with teachers, we led workshops where students assembled the system and learned how it uses solar energy and up to 90% less water than traditional soil-based agriculture.

To ensure the project continues to grow, we’re sharing the 3D CAD designs with the school, which recently received 3D printer, so students can build and expand the systems themselves. By engaging students directly in building and learning, we hope to empower the next generation with tools to grow food sustainably in their own community.