Students at King Science and Technology Magnet Middle School are growing organic produce by using fish waste.
In a pond of tilapia, pipes filter and pump fish waste into the roots in a garden bed filled with clay pellets instead of dirt. The water filters through and is reused.
“Me and my friends, we're kind of immature sometimes, so I’ll usually just say 'poop,'” said student Camron Rogers.
Students are not only learning how to grow lettuce and beets, but they are learning healthy habits.
“Our school is located in a part of town where I can walk to a fast-food place, but I can't walk to a grocery store that has fresh produce,” said teacher Kris Denton.
The experiments are set up through Whispering Roots, a nonprofit focused on providing fresh, locally-grown, healthy food for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
“We have seventh-and eighth-graders that are growing produce that's better than anything you can buy in the store,” said Greg Fripp, Whispering Roots founder.
Every four to six weeks, students take bags of the fresh produce and donate it to people in need at the Open Door Mission.
Although the food may not sound appetizing, Denton said the produce is cleaner than grocery store lettuce and the students have tests to prove it.
About 10 students spend a few hours each week doing tests on the plants, like testing the pH level. Ellionsai Strong said the experiment is helping her to become a pediatrician.
“There's not really that many women out here that are interested in science and technology,” Strong said.
While these kids are learning lessons to help them meet state standards, they are taking much more into the future.
“Now I look at students, like Carmon, a year later who can stand in front of an interview and eloquently explain the system, and who has all of this science background, who has been overlooked for things because of past behaviors. It's so powerful to see the difference doing hands-on science makes for a kid,” Denton said.