What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics is the fusion of aquaculture and hydroponics. It requires cooperation. Aquaculture is raising fish in a controlled environment. Hydroponics is the growing of plants in a soil-less environment. Fish eat and produce ammonia. Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia into nutrients. Plants absorb the nutrients and clean the water. Water is continuously recirculated through the system.
Execution of this program also required a significant amount of cooperation. MAHS’s Aquaponics Pilot Lab was made possible thanks to the partnership of the Moon Area Education Foundation, it’s EITC partners (First Commonwealth Bank and Dollar Bank) and high school staff (transition coordinator Diane Corsi, principal Ryan Matsook, and inventions lab teacher James Petrina.)
This pilot program will provide a small-scale lab for all students and staff to learn the aquaponics process prior to implementation of a full-scale Aquaponics lab sponsored by Schneider Electric. It will provide endless opportunities for cooperation among different student groups, classes, and even the Moon community.