All systems are go! We put the finishing touches on the aquaponics set-up and began adding seed pods. For our purposes, we're using parts and pieces of existing materials and modified them to our needs. We added timers for the water pump and the lights, and began with nine pods comprised of salad greens and assorted herbs. We expect the first sprouts in a week!
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Our winter remote semester has begun and we're excited to welcome new and familiar faces to our group. In addition to our Online Learning Groups, we're partnering with Brooklyn's PS 9 to present after school science programming to grades K to 5. We begin our exploration by taking a closer look at things and making observations. In addition to using our hand magnifiers at home, we took a closer look at certain samples via a digital microscope hooked up to Ms. Carmen's computer. Below is some of what we looked at during week 1 of our hands-on science exploration.  We're working on an exciting new project at the Kiddie Science Lab! Thanks to continued grant support, we'll be embarking on an aquaponics journey. The process involves cycling water from our turtle habitat into the pipes above, which will be growing plants using a soilless medium. An excellent plus to an aquaponics system is you never have to water the plants! Nutrient rich water from the turtle habitat is sucked up plastic tubing by a submersible pump, which introduces it into the system. Once there, the water zig zags through the pipes and makes its way back into the turtle habitat. While it travels through the pipes, the plants are able to absorb and utilize nutrients (in addition to the water).  There are limitations to what we'll be able to grow in this amazing system. Root vegetables, for example, will not be an option. Initially, we'll be focusing on edible leafy plants that can be fed to both the chickens and the turtle. Below, you can see what the system looks like once it's set up (without plants). Next, we'll be checking the water pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels to make sure it's at the ideal levels. We'll be adding an LED grow light and making final decisions on what and how much we'll be growing.
Join the Prospect Lefferts Gardens Neighborhood Association (PLGNA) for a conversation with local healthcare and science professionals about the COVID-19 vaccine and the historical factors that contribute to vaccine skepticism among Americans in general, particularly communities of color. Panelists include John Quale, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County; registered nurse Rose Strickland; and science educator Carmen Castillo-Barrett.
The discussion and audience Q&A is moderated by PLGNA President Brenda Edwards. Recorded via Zoom on January 28, 2021. |
