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Aquaponics

Background & Benefits

While often seen today as a modern, alternative farming method, aquaponics has ancient roots, dating back more than a thousand years and used in cultures around the globe. This unique approach combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water).

Because it requires no soil, aquaponics is ideal for urban “food deserts” where access to fresh produce is limited. Unlike traditional farming, it can thrive in small spaces—using vertical growing systems and stacked horizontal beds to produce large quantities of food in a fraction of the space. This makes it a powerful tool for sustainable food production in urban environments.

 

Aquaponics at HGCS: Academics

At Hickory Grove Christian School, aquaponics is more than a hands-on project—it’s a rich, cross-disciplinary learning experience offered at two levels:

  • Level 1: Students explore the foundational science and math behind aquaponics, including:

    • Biology – botany and zoology principles

    • Chemistry – maintaining water quality

    • Physics – understanding water movement and behavior

    • Environmental Science – alternative energy sources and their use in aquaponics systems
       

  • Level 2: Students apply their foundational knowledge in a STEM-focused course, learning:

    • System design and engineering principles

    • Pump selection for specific setups

    • Plumbing and electrical construction skills

    • Tool safety and operation (cutting tools, drills, and hand tools) for building systems

Through this progression, students develop practical skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities that bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.

Aquaponics at HGCS: Missions

Our aquaponics program also serves as a missional tool for sharing the Gospel. As part of their coursework, students grow vegetables for tasting and evaluation, with the majority of each harvest donated to Hickory Grove Baptist Church’s food pantry.

This pantry supports over 250 families each month, and the fresh, healthy produce from our program directly blesses those in need.

In addition, each year our senior class has the opportunity to participate in mission trips—both domestic and international—where aquaponics knowledge can be used to meet physical needs and open doors for spiritual conversations.

Aquaponics Overview