Exploring New Conservation Pathways in STEM Through Aquaponics Lab

As the demand for STEM professionals continues to rise, local charter school Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy is proactively preparing students for future careers. With occupations in these fields projected to grow 8.8% between 2020 and 2030, Kenilworth offers one of only five aquaponics programs in Louisiana.

Aquaponics, a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture (raising fish in tanks) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil), is a unique piece of Kenilworth’s innovative STEM curriculum. Now in its third year, the program provides students with a unique, hands-on learning experience that blends sustainable agricultural practices with cutting-edge science education. Merve Yildiz, Aquaponics teacher at Kenilworth, says, “more than anything, students enjoy this environment because it is outside of the traditional classroom setting.” Students enter the lab each day, excited to check on their fish. They even work to be the first to feed the fish, showing Yildiz that they “are highly engaged with the [aquaponics] system.”

The development of Kenilworth’s aquaponics program was a collaborative effort between school administrators, local experts, and Louisiana State University (LSU). The LSU Pathways program, designed to provide K-12 students with hands-on training in STEM subjects, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Kenilworth’s aquaponics lab. This collaboration ensured that Kenilworth had the necessary resources to bring the aquaponics lab to life.

Aquaponics holds unique value in Louisiana, with its coastal access and aquatic wildlife. The program offers students a comprehensive understanding of various scientific disciplines, including life science, biology, chemistry, sustainability, and environmental science. Although granting an early introduction to niche fields like aquaponics can position Kenilworth’s students to advance, studying aquaponics also provides other skills like collaboration, scientific literacy, and critical thinking.

Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy’s commitment to innovative STEM education ensures its students are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals, fostering a new generation of scientists, engineers, and environmental stewards. To learn more about Kenilworth, visit kenilworthacademy.org.