The goal of this project is to engage ninth-grade students in authentic, inquiry-based learning through hydroponic gardening and butterfly habitat restoration while developing the foundational research skills needed for future academic success. Students will design investigations, collect and analyze data, evaluate environmental challenges, and communicate evidence-based conclusions as they explore sustainable agriculture, pollinator conservation, and emerging agricultural technologies. This hands-on experience will cultivate scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and research.
Students will use countertop hydroponic systems to germinate and grow native butterfly-friendly plants before transplanting them into our established outdoor courtyard butterfly garden. Throughout the project, students will investigate the causes of butterfly population decline, research native host and nectar species, and design inquiry-based investigations comparing hydroponic and traditional growing methods. They will collect and analyze plant growth and pollinator data, maintain research journals, and communicate evidence-based findings through presentations and reflective writing. By integrating literacy, environmental science, and authentic research practices, students will develop critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific communication skills while contributing to a meaningful conservation initiative.
Project Timeline: October–May
October – Introduction & Research Foundations
Students will investigate the importance of pollinators, butterfly population decline, habitat loss, and sustainable agriculture through articles, videos, and class discussions. They will learn the fundamentals of the scientific inquiry process, develop research questions, explore hydroponic growing systems, and identify native host and nectar plants suitable for Southwest Florida.
November – Hydroponic Setup & Experimental Design
Students will assemble and maintain countertop hydroponic systems, germinate seeds, and design investigations comparing hydroponic and traditional soil-based growing methods. They will identify variables, make predictions, establish data collection procedures, and begin maintaining research journals.
December – Data Collection & Plant Growth Analysis
Students will monitor plant growth, collect quantitative and qualitative data, graph results, analyze trends, and refine their investigations. Mini-lessons will focus on data interpretation, observation techniques, and evidence-based scientific writing.
January – Butterfly Garden Installation
Mature hydroponically grown plants will be transplanted into the school's outdoor butterfly garden. Students will study habitat design, biodiversity, and the role of native plants in supporting pollinator populations while documenting the transition from indoor hydroponics to outdoor conservation.
February – Field Research & Ecological Observation
Students will conduct regular observations of butterfly activity, identify species using field guides, document pollinator visitation, and compare the effectiveness of different plant species. They will continue analyzing ecological data while discussing environmental challenges and conservation solutions.
March – Data Analysis & Solution Development
Students will synthesize research findings, evaluate the effectiveness of their butterfly garden, identify patterns in plant growth and pollinator activity, and develop evidence-based recommendations for improving local butterfly habitats and supporting biodiversity.
April – Research Communication & Community Outreach
Students will create research posters, multimedia presentations, and informational materials highlighting their findings and conservation recommendations. They will share their work with classmates, school leaders, families, and community members while reflecting on how research can inspire environmental action.
May – Reflection, Evaluation & Future Inquiry
Students will evaluate the success of the project, reflect on their growth as researchers, and discuss future environmental research opportunities, including AP Research and other advanced inquiry experiences. The butterfly garden will remain a living laboratory for future classes, creating a sustainable legacy of student-led research and conservation.
This project will empower students to become environmental researchers, conservation leaders, and advocates for local biodiversity while creating a lasting resource for our entire school community. The butterfly garden will provide a living classroom where students and visitors can observe the importance of pollinators and sustainable ecosystems. Inspired by the conservation efforts and educational mission of Naples Botanical Garden, students will explore native plant species, ecological relationships, and community-based solutions that support Southwest Florida’s unique environment.
Funding will support the purchase of countertop hydroponic systems, seeds, growing materials, and research resources that allow students to investigate sustainable agriculture and butterfly conservation. These materials will transform our classroom and courtyard garden into living research laboratories where students develop inquiry skills, analyze environmental challenges, and create evidence-based solutions that benefit our community.
AeroGarden Harvest Lite, Green | Soil-free Indoor Hydroponic Garden with LED Grow Light for Year-Round Gardening of up to 6 Herbs and Vegetables • Amazon Business $95.55 X2 $200
American Plant Exchange Milkweed Bush 'Curassavica' – 6-Inch Pot 3-Pack – Live Tropical Red & Yellow Flowering Butterfly Weed, Monarch Host Plant for Pollinators, Bees & Outdoor Gardens • $45 X2 $90
Hydroponics Nutrients for Aerogarden(800ml in Total), Plant Food A & B Hydroponics Supplies, Indoor Plant Fertilizer for Hydroponics Growing System, Hydroponic Solution for Vegetables Thrive • Amazon Business $10 X2 $20
RESTCLOUD Insect and Butterfly Habitat Cage Terrarium Pop-up 23.6 Inches Tall • Amazon Business $20 X2 $40
128 pcs Seed Pod Kit for Aerogarden, Grow Anything Kit for Indoor Hydroponics Growing System, Hydroponics Supplies with 50 Grow Sponges, a&b Nutrient Plant Food, 50 Pod Labels, 12 Plant Baskets Domes • Amazon Business $15.55 1 $15.55
AeroGarden Cascading Petunias Seed Pod Kit, 6-Pod | Flower Seed Pod Kit for AeroGarden Hydroponic Indoor Gardens • Amazon Business $14.10 1 $14.10
Blood Flower Milkweed Seeds for Planting - 50 Fresh Seeds - Butterfly Milkweed Seeds for Monarch Butterflies - Tropical Flower Seeds to Plant Outside - Grown in The USA • Amazon Business $10.99 1 $10.99
Gardeners Basics, Milkweed Seeds for Monarch Butterflies (4 Variety Pack) Common, Showy, Butterfly and Rose Varieties Attracts Butterflies, Bees and Pollinators Heirloom Flower Seeds Wildflower Seed • Amazon Business $9.45 1 $9.45
VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter 0.01 Accuracy Pen Tester for Water Hydroponics | H Accuracy, ATC, Auto Calibration, Backlit LCD, Memory, Compact, UL Certified, for Hydroponics Aquarium Pool Drinking • Amazon Business $10 1
HOME GROWN Non GMO Dill Seeds for Planting 1,014 Bouquet Dill Seeds and Heirloom Herb Seeds for Planting Outdoors, Grow Your Fragrant Dill Herb Garden (Anethum graveolens) • Amazon Business $6 1 $6
420
AeroGarden Harvest Lite, Green | Soil-free Indoor Hydroponic Garden with LED Grow Light for Year-Round Gardening of up to 6 Herbs and Vegetables • Amazon Business $95.55 X2
200
American Plant Exchange Milkweed Bush 'Curassavica' – 6-Inch Pot 3-Pack – Live Tropical Red & Yellow Flowering Butterfly Weed, Monarch Host Plant for Pollinators, Bees & Outdoor Gardens • $45 X2
90
Hydroponics Nutrients for Aerogarden(800ml in Total), Plant Food A & B Hydroponics Supplies, Indoor Plant Fertilizer for Hydroponics Growing System, Hydroponic Solution for Vegetables Thrive • Amazon
20
RESTCLOUD Insect and Butterfly Habitat Cage Terrarium Pop-up 23.6 Inches Tall • Amazon Business $20 X2
40
128 pcs Seed Pod Kit for Aerogarden, Grow Anything Kit for Indoor Hydroponics Growing System, Hydroponics Supplies with 50 Grow Sponges, a&b Nutrient Plant Food, 50 Pod Labels, 12 Plant Baskets Domes
15.55
AeroGarden Cascading Petunias Seed Pod Kit, 6-Pod | Flower Seed Pod Kit for AeroGarden Hydroponic Indoor Gardens • Amazon Business $14.10 1
14.10
Blood Flower Milkweed Seeds for Planting - 50 Fresh Seeds - Butterfly Milkweed Seeds for Monarch Butterflies - Tropical Flower Seeds to Plant Outside - Grown in The USA • Amazon Business $10.99 1
11
Gardeners Basics, Milkweed Seeds for Monarch Butterflies (4 Variety Pack) Common, Showy, Butterfly and Rose Varieties Attracts Butterflies, Bees and Pollinators Heirloom Flower Seeds Wildflower Seed •
10
VIVOSUN Digital pH Meter 0.01 Accuracy Pen Tester for Water Hydroponics | H Accuracy, ATC, Auto Calibration, Backlit LCD, Memory, Compact, UL Certified, for Hydroponics Aquarium Pool Drinking
10
HOME GROWN Non GMO Dill Seeds for Planting 1,014 Bouquet Dill Seeds and Heirloom Herb Seeds for Planting Outdoors, Grow Your Fragrant Dill Herb Garden (Anethum graveolens) • Amazon Business $6
