1. Lead KHK Ambassadors Mary Z. & Tim B.

2. What is Knowing Growing?  Knowing Growing is a project to teach kids about sustainable living and environmental research through gardening.  We use methods like hydroponics to minimize space and allow the kids to have a hands-on approach.

3. Who is involved?  Our goal is to reach kids in areas where access to healthy and organic foods is limited or nonexistent.  The kids involved will not only benefit through the healthy food that is produced, but they will also benefit by learning about sustainable living and agricultural research.  The kids will be able to build and maintain, which will help them understand through a hands-on approach.  Interactive lessons built around the garden will teach kids about plants, growing food, and eating healthy.

4. Hydroponics prototype

5. When is this taking place?  On May 16 and 17 we will have a booth at the Stamford STEMFest where we’ll build a separate hydroponics garden at the park and showcase how the Boys and Girls Club garden is going in our presentation.  Therefore, we’re hoping to start soon, so we can have plenty to show at the STEMFest.  A schedule for any lessons on plant science, growing food, or healthy eating will be determined later.

6. Where is this taking place?  We determined that the Science Room would be the best place for the hydroponics system.  The Science Room allows for easy interaction with the kids and allows for easy maintenance. The Science Room also has a lot of sun.

7. Why is this taking place?  Knowing Growing will allow kids the ability to see how their food grows and will allow them to eat healthy food that they may not have access to.  Parts of the West Side and Waterside in Stamford are considered “food deserts” by the USDA, which means that they do not have easy access to fresh or organic food. The food that the system would produce will help address this issue.  The hydroponics system teaches children about certain environmental technologies that they might not have been exposed to and stimulates curiosity with this hands on learning approach.

8. Want more information?  For more information please contact info@KidsHelpingKidsCT.orginfo@KidsHelpingKidsCT.org  A huge thank you to MarcUs for Change for the grant that they awarded us to make this project a reality.  Thank you to David Havens, for all your guidance in this exciting project.