MIDDLETON, Wis. — There’s a push in Wisconsin for more robust STEAM — science, technology, engineering, art and math — education. 

At Pope Farm Elementary School, students are getting a unique, hands-on lesson in science thanks to a new hydroponic garden. A hydroponic garden grows plants without soil.

Kindergarten through fourth-grade students are all pitching in to help grow lettuce, green onions, collard greens, basil and cilantro.

Each grade level has a unique job. Fourth-grade students are in charge of helping test the water in the garden.

“You have to add the pH to check the water and then do the nutrition to let them grow,” Carlos De Leon, a fourth grader, said. “Right now, they’re doing pretty good.”

What they grow is used in their cafeteria’s salad bar. Because their plants are thriving, the school is looking into how to donate some of the surplus to local organizations.

STEAM teacher Chrissy Davis said it’s been awesome to see the excitement this garden has created for students.

“I love every day when they come in, they’re like, ‘Oh, it smells so good,’” Davis said. “They’re excited to come over and see how much it’s grown. They just seem so shocked by how much it can grow. I am too, actually, every time I come in.”

While the kids view it as fun, they’re learning critical thinking skills. Managing the hydroponic garden integrates science and engineering through testing different variables on the growing process.

It’s exposure to new technology that requires environmental awareness.

“Just through questions, I hope to also inspire some students to, you know, maybe they found their passion and something that they would like to do in the future,” Davis said.

It adds a little awe into every school day.

“I thought, ‘Well, we can’t really grow plant plants without soil,’” Ishitha Sigamala, a fourth grader, said. “But then look at these plants without soil. They’re now just plants. They’re thriving without soil.”