Teacher: Bennett Colvin

School: Steamboat Springs High School, Steamboat Springs School District

Town: Steamboat Springs, CO

Region: Northwest

Grade Level: 9-12 STEM

Project Title: Sustainable Aeroponics

Category: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Amount Requested: $1,800

Principal: Jay Hamric

School Website: steamboatschools.net

Project Description:
Bennett Colvin is requesting funding for an aeroponics system to bring year-round plant science education to Steamboat Springs High School's botany classroom. The aeroponics system will enable hands-on, soil-free growing indoors, allowing students to cultivate plants regardless of the long winter season in Steamboat Springs. With this project, students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds will gain practical experience in sustainable agriculture and plant biology. The project will inspire future STEM careers, foster critical thinking, and bridge educational gaps for disadvantaged students, empowering them to become environmental stewards and leaders in sustainability.

Project Proposal:
This project will introduce an innovative aeroponics system that uses a soil-free method of plant cultivation, where roots are misted with nutrient-rich solutions. The system will allow students to learn about modern agricultural practices while exploring cross-curricular concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Through hands-on plant cultivation, students will gain practical skills in sustainable agriculture, learn to address global food security challenges, and explore the future of food production. This project will engage 900 students, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Budget Narrative:
The requested funds will be used to purchase:

• Super Closet Super Flow System Large: $1,095
• Covert LED X 250 watt light: 2 units at $349 each for a total of $698
• Total: $1,800

Images:

Project Image 1