Grades K–8 (Kit)
Build a living aquaponics ecosystem in your classroom! Students investigate the basic needs of plants and fish while discovering how plants, animals, and bacteria interact in a symbiotic system. By assembling, maintaining, and observing a small-scale aquaponics system, students explore real-world concepts of ecology, nutrient cycling, and sustainable food production.
This hands-on kit provides everything you need to construct a functioning aquaponics model. Students take part in setup, water testing, and daily care, giving them an authentic experience with STEM and agriculture connections.
Kit Contents
- 12–14 quart clear storage tub (approx. 17"L × 12"W × 6"D)
- 20–24 quart clear storage tub with lid (approx. 17"L × 12"W × 10"D)
- Swamp cooler overflow drain kit (with pipe, washer, nut, and drain fitting)
- 40–90 GPH submersible fountain pump
- Flexible tubing (fits pump discharge)
- Plastic jar
- Expanded clay pellets, 10 quarts
- Brooder clamp light & LED bulb
- Timer (for light)
- Ammonium chloride
- Freshwater aquarium water test kit (pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)
- Aquarium thermometer
- Fish food (goldfish flakes)
- Aquarium fish net
- Aquarium fish cave
- Classroom Aquaponics System Assembly & Maintenance Guide
Additional Materials Needed
- Measuring tape
- Drill or drill press
- 1" spade drill bit
- 3/4" spade drill bit
- De-chlorinated water (approx. 15 quarts)
- Goldfish (5–7 adult fish)
- 5 small seedling plants (basil, herbs, lettuce, or similar)
- Tap water conditioner (optional)
Tip: Consider upgrading the included timer to the Arduino Controlled Relay Kit for a programmable solution.
Lesson Plans
Use this kit with the featured lesson Exploring Aquaponics. Find additional plant science and food systems lessons on the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix.
Extend the Learning
Challenge students to measure plant growth rates, monitor water chemistry changes over time, and experiment with different plant types or feeding schedules to investigate system balance and productivity.
