Teaching the next generation is an effective way to change the future. A nonprofit in Israel has taken this to heart by greening schools with soilless farming. It is called Startup Roots, which is teaching students about hydroponics (水培), and as a result, they are learning nutrition and science.
“Many children think that vegetables come from the grocery store. They have no concept of the chain behind it. So we try to connect kids with the source of their food,” said Robin Katz, founder of this organization. Katz started it in 2014 realizing that many children have no access to fresh, healthy and affordable produce. She was drawn to hydroponics because this system uses 90 percent less water and grows more plants per meter than traditional farming.
Their first project created a soilless farm using just 100 square meters of a school. They started out by growing 14 plants per meter. The students were excited to see results in just 30 days and were soon able to produce 1500 vegetables per month!
Working with science teachers, the organization guides students to learn science and nutrition. In addition, it has brought in nutritionists to teach the effect that food choices have on health. It soon improved their methods by fixing vertical farming systems. Since then, their production has improved greatly, resulting in the production of 120 plants per meter.
In order to educate the general population, the organization is also working to create an interactive urban agriculture exhibit, which is transforming students by turning them into interactive learners. More youth have become so fascinated by the process, they are eagerly researching plant seeds and are growing plants.
“There is no greater pleasure than to watch students grow by growing,” said Katz. Aside from producing organic vegetables in schools, the organization is planting roots in this young generation, inspiring them to lead healthier and more environmentally-friendly lives.
4. Why did Robin Katz show interest in hydroponics?
A.It took less land than traditional farming. |
B.It caused no damage to the environment. |
C.It was easy to produce good vegetables. |
D.It saved water and had a higher yield. |
5. What can we learn about the first soilless farm?
A.It produced 120 plants per meter. | B.It relied on vertical farming systems. |
C.It produced vegetables in a month. | D.It was designed by science teachers. |
6. What is the final influence of the new farming system?
A.Students will grow better plants. | B.Students will change their lifestyle. |
C.Students will protect environment. | D.Students will eat organic vegetables. |
7. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?
A.Inspiring Future Hydroponic Farming | B.A Soilless Farm on Exhibition |
C.Researching Plant Seeds in Future | D.Helping Students Grow Better |