The overall purpose of this project is to expand and sustain a hands-on agricultural initiative by equipping our classroom with a mobile raised garden bed on wheels, soil, and targeted grow lighting (including lighting for an existing hydroponic unit). Over 200 students will actively participate in the full lifecycle of plant growth—from selecting crops to harvesting—fostering real-world life skills, self-sufficiency, and cross-curricular collaboration.
Many students lack direct experience with food systems, agricultural care, and practical self-sufficiency skills. This project addresses the need for experiential, tactile learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to everyday life. By introducing mobile and indoor hydroponic growing equipment, we eliminate seasonal and structural limitations, ensuring that over 200 students—regardless of background or prior experience—gain consistent access to hands-on learning and fresh, homegrown produce.
• Primary Learning Goal: Students will master essential life skills in gardening, resource management, and sustainable food production through active planning, planting, routine care, and harvesting.
• Academic & Life Skill Standards: This project addresses practical life science concepts (plant lifecycles, photosynthesis, and nutrient needs) alongside CTE (Career and Technical Education) standards related to food preparation, resource planning, and community sustainability.
• Targeted Outcomes:
1. Skill Acquisition: Participating students will learn to independently select appropriate vegetables and herbs, plan crop rotation, and carry out routine maintenance (watering, feeding, and light management).
2. Interdisciplinary Impact: Harvested produce will directly support partner programs, including culinary classes (incorporating fresh ingredients into everyday meals and meal planning) and special education classes (using organic ingredients to craft pet treats).
3. Measurable Success: Success will be evaluated by successful yield harvests shared among classroom members and interdisciplinary programs, as well as student-led execution of the full planting-to-harvest cycle.
This project aligns directly with core school and district priorities:
1. Hands-On & Experiential Learning: Moves learning beyond textbooks by providing interactive, practical experiences that build engagement and critical thinking.
2. Cross-Curricular & Inclusive Collaboration: Connects general education, culinary, and special education programs, fostering an inclusive school culture centered around shared community goals.
3. Life Skills & Career Readiness: Equips students with functional, real-world skills—such as sustainable living, meal planning, and basic agriculture—that promote long-term independence and environmental awareness.
Project Budget & Line-Item JustificationVendorItem DescriptionQtyUnit PriceTotal PriceAmazon.com33.7" Elevated Raised Garden Bed with Wheels1$99.00 $99.00Amazon.com
180W T8 Grow Lights (Set of 4)1$60.00 $60.00Amazon.com
Burpee Organic Potting Soil for Food (9 qt)2$15.00 $30.00Amazon.com
Drip Irrigation System1$90.00 $90.00Amazon.com
EXO.comTower Light Kit (for Hydroponic Unit)1$199.00 $199.00EXO.com
2" Plant Propagation Kit1$25.00 $25.00EXO.com
Hydroponic Grow Block1$20.00 $20.00EXO.com
Hydroponic Grow Plugs1$20.00 $20.00EXO.com
Hydro Pebbles (2.5 lbs)1$26.00 $26.00EXO.com
TOTAL$569.00
Budget Justification:Mobile Planting & Substrate ($129.00): The elevated raised bed on wheels ($99) provides accessible, mobile planting options for diverse classroom layouts and outdoor spaces. The organic soil ($30) ensures edible plants receive safe, rich nutrition.Lighting & Climate Control ($259.00): The 180W T8 grow lights ($60) and EXO Tower Light Kit ($199) supply the necessary spectrum and intensity to sustain year-round indoor growth across soil and hydroponic setups regardless of seasonal weather.Irrigation & Propagation Supplies ($181.00): The automated drip irrigation system ($90) teaches efficient water conservation, while the propagation kit, grow blocks, grow plugs, and hydro pebbles ($91 total) enable students to execute every stage of plant development from seed germinating to final harvest.
569.00
33.7"h Elevated Raised Garden Bed with wheels (WTFGO store on Amazon)
99.00
4' T8 180W Grow light 4-pack (Amazon)
60.00
EXO grow block (from EXO.com)
20.00
Grow Plugs (from EXO.com)
20.00
Tower Light kit (from EXO.com)
199.00
2.5 lbs. hydro pebbles (from EXO.com)
26.00
2" plant propogation kit (from EXO.com)
25.00
2 Burpee 9-qt. organic potting soil for food (from Amazon)
