Hands-On Learning with Hydroponics in Whitehorse

FH Collins Secondary, Whitehorse, YT
Grant term, 2024-2025

Our school has 750 students from grades 8-12 in Whitehorse, Yukon. My class is fortunate to have access to a kitchen, but it is an interior classroom that doesn’t have any natural daylight. Our goal was to bring in more light and life into the space. We are learning about interconnectedness this year and using the Medicine Wheel as a guide. We have learned about physical health and focused on having a balanced diet, eating locally grown food to reduce our impact on the environment.

The Yukon has a very short growing season, and it can be difficult to get locally grown fresh produce in the middle of winter. Our hope is to incorporate more delicious produce throughout the year. Building partnerships with families is important to our program, and good way to connect is by simply sending food home with students to share. One staff member stated he likes that the students can participate in all aspects of hydroponic agriculture. They can plant, grow and harvest quickly, which increases their engagement.