By Donna Campbell-Patrick, Upper School Science Department Chair
Is it feasible to use hydroponics to grow vegetables at our farm in Union County?
That’s the question seniors Lula Porter Barber, Elizabeth Coppings, Margaret Didier, Evie Haner, Wil Harrick, William Harrison, and Darla Mavinga set out to investigate this past summer. Steve Wall, director of educational programming at the farm, asked me to lead the summer science internship and I was excited to do so, as this is the kind of authentic, real-world experimentation that helps truly fuel a passion for science. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.
William Harrison '25
The farm for me was the first time I was given control and the ability to decide what I wanted to do besides simply following lab instructions. I was able to discover something I was genuinely curious about and was able to actively teach myself about it."
Working alongside Sam Humphrey, the farm’s agriscience educator, we guided seven dedicated students from June 3–July 26, 2024, to create an experiment designed to understand how different factors affect the growth of tomato plants. Their study focused on three main variables: changing the pH levels, adjusting the nutrient levels of magnesium and calcium, and varying the light exposure.
The project began with the students constructing a hydroponics setup and testing benches. They also sought assistance to fine-tune the lighting and airflow within the hoop house. With the infrastructure in place, they divided 32 organic tomato plants into four groups of eight plants each.
Evie Haner '25
Working at the farm has been a very fulfilling experience that I hope future students will be able to have. It allowed me to see what it’s like to design and carry out my own scientific experiment and research."
Each group received a base nutrient mix recommended for optimal tomato growth. The groups were then subjected to different treatments:
- pH Adjustment: The pH levels were modified with weak acids and bases, monitored by a digital pH probe to maintain a specific range.
- Calcium-Magnesium Nutrient Enhancement: Additional hydroponic grade calcium-magnesium mixture was added to the base nutrient mix for these eight plants.
- Light Variation: These eight plants were kept in a lower light.
- Control Group: The final group received no additional treatment, serving as the control.
Margaret Didier '25
The Weddington Farm experiment opened my eyes not only to the process of designing and executing an experiment, but to the world of agriculture. I loved the process of combining the science we had learned in years past to a physical experiment and having the freedom to test any variable we desired, yielding unexpected results."
Every week, the student researchers undertook several tasks to maintain the experiment and collect data:
- They pumped 160 gallons of depleted nutrient water from the hydroponics systems into a storage tank, which was then transported to the water dump site.
- They prepared and transferred 160 gallons of base nutrient mix into 5-gallon buckets making up the hydroponic systems.
- They applied appropriate treatments to the plants.
- They monitored for diseases and pests.
- They recorded the height of the plants and the growth of specific limbs.
- They examined the root structures and took weekly photographs.
- They noted any nutrient deficiencies encountered.
All data, including photographs, were entered into a website created and maintained by Wil Harrick.
Learn What the Students Learned
The student researchers analyzed their data and presented their findings at the annual Science Symposium on September 23, at 7 pm in Cramer Lecture Hall. They will also held a Q and A panel to reflect on their research experiences.
This project provided valuable insights into hydroponic farming and offered the students hands-on experience in scientific research, fostering a deeper understanding of agricultural science and sustainability.
The Science Symposium, now in its 12th year, showcases the work of Upper School students who participated in either a research opportunity or science experience over the summer. These students presented on their summer medical research:
- Stephan Botzolakis '26, John’s Hopkins University
- Chloe Saxonhouse '25, Duke University
- Samir Samiy '26, Emory University
Additional students had poster presentations on summer science experiences at NASA, Atrium Hospital ER, Hurricane Research at University of Miami, NC Governors School, NC State Engineering, outdoor medicine, CT scan analysis for a dental professor, John’s Hopkins Engineering, Wake Forest Technology, Medicine Camp at UC Berkley, and Wake Forest Medical Camp.