Building the Chinampa Aquaponics Exhibit at the Greenfield Community Science Workshop
Throughout the summer of 2024, I had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible team to construct and integrate an educational Chinampa Aquaponics exhibit at the Greenfield Community Science Workshop (CSW). This project was developed alongside our dedicated high school intern, Jose Luis, and the committed staff at Greenfield CSW, including Omar and Chacon, who were instrumental in the construction of the exhibit, Alfonso and Bobbie Joe, whose extensive knowledge of plants and fish is vital for maintaining the system, Marlene, whose artistic expertise helped craft the educational materials sitting alongside the exhibit, and José Sánchez, who expertly manages the workshop.
The Chinampa Aquaponics exhibit is inspired by the traditional Aztec chinampas, which were a form of ancient Mesoamerican agriculture. The chinampas are floating gardens that were used to grow crops on the shallow lake beds in the Valley of Mexico. This project aims to educate the youth in Greenfield about sustainable farming practices, while also providing them with hands-on experience in aquaponics—a system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water).
Construction Process
The construction process began with setting up the aquaponics system, which includes a 12-gallon fish tank as the foundation. The goldfish and snails, a critical component of the system, contribute to the health of the plants by providing nutrient-rich waste, which is then converted into fertilizer by beneficial bacteria. This natural process allows the plants to grow while simultaneously filtering the water, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.
To ensure a smooth flow of water from the fish tank to the grow bed, we constructed a sturdy bench that supports the grow bed at the appropriate height. The grow bed is filled with a healthy amount of clay pebbles as a substrate for the plants, an ideal environment for the beneficial bacteria to thrive.
Selecting the Right Plants
We selected plants that would hopefully thrive in the aquaponics system, focusing on those that could potentially be harvested and used as food. We decided to use mint plants that Bobbie Joe graciously donated to the exhibit. To ensure the plants receive adequate light, we are installing a full-spectrum grow light hanging over the plants, allowing the system to function efficiently regardless of natural light availability.
Lab Note: Educational Signage and Interactive Activity
As part of our efforts to enhance the educational value of the Chinampa Aquaponics exhibit, we made educational signage that provides visitors with a concise overview of the ancient Aztec chinampas and the nitrogen cycle in our aquaponics system. The sign is bilingual, written in both English and Spanish.
In addition to the main exhibit, we created an interactive "chinampa-in-a-jar" display to offer a more hands-on experience for students. Once put in place, this low-fidelity version of the chinampa will allow students to physically interact with the system by observing and touching smaller plants and snails. There are also plans to keep extra materials on hand so that visitors can make their own chinampa-in-a-jar's that they can take home themselves.
Community Engagement and Educational Impact
This project is more than just a hands-on educational tool; it serves as a cultural bridge, connecting traditional knowledge with modern science. By involving local youth in the construction and maintenance of the Chinampa Aquaponics system, we aim to inspire them to think critically about sustainable practices and the importance of symbiotic relationships in nature.
The Chinampa Aquaponics exhibit will be a permanent feature at the Greenfield CSW, engaging students across the region in hands-on learning. The exhibit also highlights the importance of incorporating cultural heritage into STEM education, making science more relatable and inspiring for students. Feedback from the students and staff will be crucial as the Greenfield CSW continues to refine the system and develop additional curriculum resources.
It has been an incredible journey to see this project come to life, and I am excited to see how the Greenfield Community Science Workshop continues to innovate new ways to make science accessible to all!
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