Multimedia Gallery - Urban Hydrofarmers Project sows seeds of success among 'resilient' youth

October 5, 2015

Urban Hydrofarmers Project sows seeds of success among 'resilient' youth

Teens put science and math to work to become hydroponic farmers and successful green entrepreneurs. These city kids from Boston may not look like conventional farmers, but they're spending part of their summer getting their hands dirty -- or more like wet! They're learning how to build solar-powered hydroponic systems that grow organic vegetables without soil. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Boston College educator Mike Barnett and his team developed the Urban Hydrofarmers Project to engage students in math and science through hydroponic farming and green energy technology. And, because the teens sell what they grow at farmers' markets, the students get to experience green entrepreneurship. Barnett and his team have also partnered with the STEM Garden Institute to bring hydroponic farming into classrooms throughout the U.S.

Credit: National Science Foundation

Images and other media in the National Science Foundation Multimedia Gallery are available for use in print and electronic material by NSF employees, members of the media, university staff, teachers and the general public. All media in the gallery are intended for personal, educational and nonprofit/non-commercial use only.

Videos credited to the National Science Foundation, an agency of the U.S. Government, may be distributed freely. However, some materials within the videos may be copyrighted. If you would like to use portions of NSF-produced programs in another product, please contact the Video Team in the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at the National Science Foundation.

Additional information about general usage can be found in Conditions.