KTech Students Put Skills To Test To Create Aquaponics Project

New Port Richey FL

10 December, 2021

11:15 AM

Description

LAND O' LAKES, FL — The students of Wendell Krinn Technical High School on Friday hosted the grand opening of the KTech Aquaponics Project, which incorporates the combined skills of the school's many technical programs, including engineering, robotics, welding, electricity and even cybersecurity. The students have embraced aquaponics as a way of gaining hands-on, practical experience by applying what they are learning in their technical education programs. The result is a structure that produces green leafy vegetables and herbs, as well as raises tilapia fish. It's a classic application of the principles of aquaponics, a sustainable system that combines hydroponics – growing plants without soil – and aquaculture – farming fish. In this case, the fish provide nutrients that benefit the plants, and the plants filter and clean the water for the fish. "This has really been a team effort," said KTech Principal Chris Dunning. Students studying welding and electricity built the structures. The robotics team built a robotic arm that will feed the fish. The cybersecurity students installed cameras to monitor the fish. And the culinary arts program will prepare the fish and vegetables. Wendell Krinn Technical High School is at 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey.