New
New
The future: hydroponics and aquaponics
I can investigate how hydroponic and aquaponic systems function and explain their potential to revolutionise sustainable farming.
Lesson 9 of 12
New
New
- Year 9
The future: hydroponics and aquaponics
I can investigate how hydroponic and aquaponic systems function and explain their potential to revolutionise sustainable farming.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hydroponics uses nutrient rich water to grow plants without soil.
- Aquaponics uses water from fish farming to nourish plants.
- They require fewer inputs: no soil, minimal water, less chemicals and produce higher yields than traditional farming.
- In the Zaatari refugee camp, aquaponics provided over 70% increase in fresh food for farmers.
- Hydro and aquaponics do have high setup costs, energy demands, and technical complexity, which can limit accessibility.
Keywords
Hydroponics - using nutrient-rich water to grow plants without soil
Aquaponics - using nutrient-rich water from the farming of aquatic animals to nourish plants
Sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own need
Common misconception
Hydroponic and aquaponic systems are completely self-sustaining or maintenance-free.
Require regular monitoring, energy inputs and human intervention to stay productive.
Try some basic hydroponics in the classroom using a mint or basil cutting and a jar of water, students will be able to observe the roots developing and the plant growing without soil over time.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their meanings:
Match the keywords with their meanings:
Q2.Which of these is a non-renewable resource?
Which of these is a non-renewable resource?
Wind
Sunlight
Wood
Q3.Which continent consumes the most energy overall?
Which continent consumes the most energy overall?
Africa
Asia
Europe
Q4.When a resource is in short supply, we say it is .
When a resource is in short supply, we say it is .
Q5.Which of these would reduce pressure on natural resources?
Which of these would reduce pressure on natural resources?
Using more coal
Leaving lights on
Flying more
Q6.Which country has the largest population and growing demand for resources?
Which country has the largest population and growing demand for resources?
Canada
Australia
Norway
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords with their definitions:
Match the keywords with their definitions:
Q2.Why might farmers choose hydroponic or aquaponic systems?
Why might farmers choose hydroponic or aquaponic systems?
They cost more
They only grow fish
They need no energy
Q3.Which of the following is a feature of aquaponics?
Which of the following is a feature of aquaponics?
Plant nutrients come from fertiliser
Plants are grown in soil
There is no water used
Q4.What is a common misunderstanding about hydroponics and aquaponics?
What is a common misunderstanding about hydroponics and aquaponics?
They don’t grow real plants
They work best with rice
They are only used on farms
