In the following pages you’ll take students on a deep dive into the world of farming techniques. Students will learn about the pros and cons of each method, and brainstorm how FarmBot might be used and/or modified to grow plants successfully with each method.

After learning about each of the techniques, return this page for the overall comparison table, and the quiz questions.

Syllabus

Lesson Grades Resources Standards
Soil-Based Growing 3-10 Lecture
Brainstorm		 NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1 
NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2 
Hydroponics 3-10 Lecture
Brainstorm		 NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1 
NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2 
Aeroponics 3-10 Lecture
Brainstorm		 NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1 
NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2 

Comparison of growing methods

Hydroponics Soil-Based Growing Aeroponics
Growing Medium Water & nutrients Soil Air with misted nutrients
Water Efficiency High Moderate to Low Very High
Growth Rate Often Faster Varies Often Very Fast
Ease of Nutrient Control High Moderate High
Setup Cost Moderate to High Low to Moderate High
Maintenance Moderate Varies Moderate to High
Susceptibility to Diseases Low Moderate Low

Quiz

  1. Which of the following is not a benefit of hydroponics?
    • Water efficiency
    • Space saving
    • Higher yields
    • Lower setup costs :heavy_check_mark:
  2. Which growing methods would FarmBot work with without modification?
    • Hydroponics
    • Soil-based growing :heavy_check_mark:
    • Aeroponics
  3. Which growing methods are better suited for year-round growing in colder climates?
    • Hydroponics :heavy_check_mark:
    • Soil-based growing
    • Aeroponics :heavy_check_mark:
  4. Which extra sensors might be useful for a hydroponics FarmBot?
    • pH sensor
    • Dissolved oxygen sensor
    • Temperature sensor
    • Nutrient sensor
    • Water level sensor
    • All of the above :heavy_check_mark:

What’s next?