Discovering Hydroponics

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 6
Duration: 50 minutes
Curriculum Area: Science – Biological Sciences
Australian Curriculum Code: ACSSU094 – The growth and survival of living things are affected by physical conditions of their environment.

Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand what hydroponics is and how it differs from traditional soil-based farming.
• Recognise the benefits and challenges of hydroponic farming.
• Explore how hydroponics can be applied in Australia to improve food production and sustainability.
• Predict how plants might grow in a controlled environment without soil.

Success Criteria

Students will be successful when they can:

✅ Explain in their own words what hydroponics is.
✅ Compare hydroponic farming to traditional soil-based farming.
✅ Provide at least two reasons why hydroponics is beneficial in Australia.
✅ Make a prediction about plant growth in a hydroponic system.

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – Engaging the Students (10 minutes)

Hook:
Display a fresh plant (such as basil) and a small cup of soil. Ask, "What do plants absolutely need to grow?" Write student responses on the board: water, sunlight, nutrients, air, and soil.

Then, introduce the big question:
👉 "What if plants didn’t need soil to grow?"

Teacher Explanation:

• Introduce the term hydroponics (from the Greek words for “water” and “work”).
• Show an image (printed or projected) of a hydroponic farm and ask students, "What do you notice about how these plants are growing?"
• Explain in simple terms: Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil, using water mixed with nutrients instead.

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2. Exploring the Concept – Interactive Discussion (15 minutes)

Comparison Activity:
Draw two columns on the board: Traditional Farming vs Hydroponic Farming.
Ask students to brainstorm differences based on what they’ve heard so far. Guide the discussion so that key points are covered:

Traditional Farming	Hydroponic Farming
Needs soil	No soil needed
Dependent on weather	Can be indoors
Uses a lot of water	Reuses water
Needs a lot of space	Can grow vertically

Australian Connection:
Discuss why hydroponics is useful in Australia:

• Drought conditions – Some parts of Australia struggle with water access. Hydroponics uses less water.
• Urban farming – Hydroponics allows food to be grown in places with little farmland, even in cities.
• Fresh produce availability – Hydroponically grown food can be grown all year round.

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3. Hands-On Experiment – Predicting and Observing (15 minutes)

Mini Hydroponic Setup (Teacher Demonstration & Class Predictions)

Materials (for demonstration):

• A clear plastic cup
• Cotton wool or sponge
• Lettuce or basil seeds
• Water mixed with a small amount of dissolved plant nutrients (or liquid fertiliser)

Steps:

1. Place damp cotton wool or sponge in the cup.
2. Sprinkle a few seeds on top.
3. Add a small amount of nutrient-rich water (enough to moisten but not soak it).
4. Place the cup in a spot where it receives light.

Student Predictions:

• Each student writes or shares a prediction: "What do you think will happen to these seeds over the next week?"
• Discuss what factors might influence their growth.

(Over the next weeks, the class can observe the changes and compare their predictions to the results.)

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4. Reflection and Conclusion – Wrap-Up Discussion (10 minutes)

• Ask students:
  👉 What was the most surprising thing you learned today?
  👉 Where do you think hydroponics could be used in our community?

• Recap the key ideas.

• Exit Ticket: Each student writes down one question they still have about hydroponics. These questions can be used in a later lesson.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Student Discussions – Listen for understanding when comparing hydroponic and traditional farming.
• Predictions – Check whether students make logical predictions based on what they’ve learned.
• Exit Tickets – Student questions can indicate comprehension and interest level.

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Extension Activities

• STEM Challenge: In pairs, students design their own hydroponic system using recycled materials (e.g., plastic bottles, string, water).
• Local Inquiry: Research whether hydroponic farms exist in Australia, especially in drought-affected areas.
• Mathematical Link: Calculate how much water traditional farming vs hydroponics might use to grow one lettuce plant.

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Teacher Reflection

• Did students grasp the concept of hydroponics?
• Were they able to compare traditional and hydroponic farming methods?
• Did they engage with the prediction activity?

📝 Adjustments for next time: _______________

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This lesson brings in hands-on engagement, real-world applications, and critical thinking—all essential in modern Australian classrooms! 🚀 🌱