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Chinampa Engineering Challenge:
Ancient Agriculture Meets Modern Hydroponics
Teacher Guide (continued)
The Challenge:
Present students with the following scenario:
Your team is taking on an agricultural engineering challenge. Using the provided materials, design a small-scale growing
system that supports growing media and seeds while providing plants with the moisture they need to grow.
Your structure will be placed in or over water and observed as the seeds germinate and plants begin to grow. Your goal is to create
a system that remains stable and supports plant growth over time.
Just as agricultural innovators have done throughout history, your team will need to work within the resources and constraints
available to you.
Materials:
For Each Team
Suggested materials include:
• Watertight container
• Water
• Fast-germinating seeds, such as grass, lettuce, radish, or selected classroom-safe seeds
• Potting soil or other selected growing medium
• Absorbent paper or similar material
Provide a selection of construction materials, such as:
• Wood dowels or craft sticks
• Twine
• Cardboard
• Cork
• Foam
• Bubble packing material
• Other lightweight or recycled materials suitable for classroom construction
Shared Materials
• Scissors
• Rulers
• Measuring tools for plant growth
• Plant light or access to appropriate natural light
Teacher Note: For the core challenge, use the same seed type, growing medium, water conditions, and general light
conditions for all teams. Keeping these factors consistent makes it easier for students to compare how their different structural
designs perform.
Before You Begin:
Prepare a watertight growing container for each team.
Establish the amount of each building material students may use. This creates realistic constraints while still giving teams
flexibility in their designs.
Determine the seed type and growing medium that all teams will use.
Choose a location where the systems can remain undisturbed and receive appropriate light during the observation period.
Review safe handling of scissors and other classroom tools before construction begins.
