HAPI team members Tyler Reed and Brian Kleinke will be offering an Introduction to Hydroponics class on October 2nd from 6:30pm — 9:30pm EST. The class is a next step in the HAPI project’s new education and outreach program, following on the heels of our engagement with East Hickman High School. Attendees will learn the basics of hydroponic food production and develop their skills in constructing different types of systems. The class is hosted at the Columbus Idea Foundry and is open to the public. Curriculum being developed for the class will form part of the foundational content for the HAPI Learning Environment, and online educational initiative slated for rollout later this year. Kleinke said “Education in the area of self-directed food production is increasingly important in our community, especially now.”
The first of a larger sequence of educational offerings around hydroponics and aquaponics, the class will familiarize students with the basic concepts of hydroponic food production and introduce them to common techniques and tools of the trade. Topics for discussion will include planning, lighting, growth and structures, environment, hygiene and foundational operating principles. For much of the class, students will participate in building systems that embody different core techniques in modern hydroponic production. All tools and materials will be provided. “This will be an immersive class, ” stated Reed, “very hands-on. One of our goals is to establish an ongoing workshop, a ‘workshopping’ if you will. A place where principles like community involvement and product innovation are used to foster greater food security and local independence.”
Class registration can be completed on the Columbus Idea Foundry’s Classes page.