Class Adds Some Solar Flair

Sharon Cutler is teaching students at Chiles Elementary how to grow lettuce without getting dirty.

Third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders in Cutler's science classes are learning about solar hydroponic gardening, an energy-conscious and clean way to grow vegetables.

Cutler purchased solar panels and a hydroponic gardening kit with a $1,000 grant she received from General Motors and Discovery Education, a provider of digital media for classrooms. She was among 40 educators nationwide to be named winners of the Live Green Teacher Grant program.

"General Motors and Discovery Education are interested in empowering educators to develop creative ideas for furthering environmental and energy sustainability," said Stephen Wakefield, communications manager for Discovery Education.

At a time when energy conservation is of national concern, helping students to think green makes sense, said Cutler, a teacher with 30 years of experience, including the past four years at Chiles Elementary.

"I want them to learn about sustainability and water conservation," Cutler said.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants nourished by nutrient-rich water, without soil.

Sunflowers were flourishing in the hydroponic gardening kit when it was purchased, but it will be used to grow lettuce to feed the turtles in the menagerie of some 50 rodents, reptiles and other animals that line Cutler's classroom walls.

"We found out it cost $1,000 a year for lettuce," she said. "I want them to learn that we can grow our own lettuce for less while consuming unconventional energy."

The hydroponic garden is in a screened lanai that she and students built last school year under an exterior stairwell to raise butterfly larvae. The solar panels will power the system's water pumps.

"It's very cool," said Lynn Chen, a 10-year-old fifth grader. "If you put your hand in front of the light," blocking the solar panels, "then energy doesn't transfer to the pipes."

Cutler's grant applications have brought in more than $5,000 in the past year. She isn't done: Cutler is seeking $1,000 in matching funds to set up another solar hydroponic garden station.

MAKING CONTACT

Sharon Cutler can be contacted by phone at (813) 558-5422 or by mail at Chiles Elementary School, 16541 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa FL 33647.