Long Island City's PS/IS 78Q recently unveiled the farm, designed to foster a love of science, gardening and nature among students at the school. Funded with $75,000 by Council Member Julie Won and installed by non-profit NY Sun Works, it aims to bring access to fresh food and draw students more deeply into their STEM curricula as well as build an awareness of the connections between farming and climate change.
The classroom farm boasts cutting-edge technology that will allow K-12 students at the school to study sustainability and urban farming. Parents, teachers and students gathered at PS/IS 78Q, 48-09 Center Blvd, with the council member and representatives from NY Sun Works on Thursday, Jan. 16 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new farm.
The school will receive ongoing professional development training for science educators and weekly visits from a hydroponic specialist to guide teachers in hydroponic systems maintenance, provide planting, harvest, and produce distribution support. The specialist will also help clean, prep, and troubleshoot systems.
Deana Rombone, principal of PS/IS 78Q, said the farm would create opportunities for students at the school. "Today, as we cut the ribbon, we are not just opening the doors to a new lab. We are unlocking a future full of innovation, learning and opportunity," Rombone said in a statement.
Source: licpost.com