STEM Learning Transformed: Growing Future Scientists with AgTech

At Richview Middle School in Tennessee, teacher Devin Roberts is bringing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education to life with Bluelab's digital pH and EC meters. By combining agriculture, technology, and hands-on classes in hydroponics and raised bed gardens, Roberts engages students in real-world scientific learning.

Plant Lifecycle as a Teaching Tool

The program's unique approach transforms how students understand plant science, making learning an exciting journey of discovery. Roberts has developed a creative curriculum that treats plant growth as a metaphor for human development. Students are assigned a "plant child" that they nurture through various growth stages.

As plants progress from seed to germination to vegetative growth, students closely monitor their development—much like caring for a human child. With Bluelab's handheld pH and Conductivity meters, the students learn to identify potential health issues. This fosters a deep understanding of life cycles and the importance of precise environmental control.

“People go through life cycles and plants go through life cycles. If your plant child's leaves start turning a little yellow, you're going to have to figure out exactly what is wrong.” – Devin Roberts

A Garden of Learning Opportunities

This innovative program encompasses 12 raised garden beds, growing a diverse range of crops, plus 6 tower gardens for hydroponic cultivation. Roberts sees this program as more than a horticulture class – it's about:

• Developing scientific curiosity - in a fun way

• Teaching practical life skills

• Demonstrating STEM principles through tangible, engaging experiences

• Connecting students with food production, inspiring students to appreciate agricultural processes

• Educating students on the link between growing their own produce and accessing fresh, nutritious food.

Crops include radishes, beets, turnips, broccoli, carrots, garlic, onions, cabbage, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, multiple lettuce varieties, and herbs like thyme, basil, oregano, parsley… the list goes on. They also grow marigolds to teach the kids about pest control.

Hands-On Scientific Measurement

Using Bluelab tools, students conduct precise environmental measurements, learning about:

• pH balance through innovative experiments, including observing flower reactions in different pH environments.

• Electrical Conductivity (EC) of water and soil.

• Nutrient level tracking.

• Impact of environmental conditions on plant growth.

• Soil chemistry changes due to rainfall.

• pH, Conductivity (EC), and temperature variations in water from different sources.

"In one experiment, we have three different flowers. One we put into lemon juice. One in filtered water with pH at 7.0. The other one we do a baking soda and water mixture and we watch these flowers over four days. The kids see what happens when high acidity, or high alkaline levels quickly deteriorate the plant. They get that 'aha' moment of wow, this is why pH is so important." – Devin Roberts

Technology's Role in Modern Education

By integrating Bluelab measurement tools, Roberts demonstrates how our technology can:

• Support crop success in controlled environment agriculture (CEA)

• Make complex scientific concepts accessible

• Provide precise, easy-to-use measurement capabilities

• Engage students through exciting, interactive, hands-on learning

"Your tools are incredibly easy to use – just point, click, and record the reading. It's foolproof, especially in a busy classroom with lots of students. Checking pH, EC, and temperature is seamless. I would really highly recommend it for almost any anybody who’s growing plants, especially an educator." – Devin Roberts

The STEM program showcases how innovative teaching methods, combined with Bluelab's agricultural technology, create dynamic and engaging learning experiences. We're proud to inspire the next generation of scientists, growers, and environmental enthusiasts.

Featured products:
Bluelab Soil pH Pen
Bluelab Combo Meter
Bluelab Pulse Multimedia EC/MC Meter