08 Nov 2016 Ambassador: Ethan McGhee
Ethan McGhee
Redmond High School
Redmond, WA
Future career goals
I definitely would like to become a biologist later in life. I love the process of research, but would like to stay away from the medical field. I might go into diseases or genetics, but am currently keeping my options open.
Description of your school/organization where you plan to integrate this project
Redmond High School is an award winning and politically-active environmental science program, a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, a beautiful “green” campus, and a strong and varied Advanced Placement (AP) program.
What originally made you interested in this project?
I took a summer class with a faculty member for Project Feed 1010. She introduced me to aquaponics and a little research and a few Youtube videos later I was hooked.
“ISB provided an opportunity for students like me to learn about sustainable agriculture through hydroponics and aquaponics, equipping students to bring sustainable agriculture back into their communities. The other ambassadors and I worked alongside ISB towards a vision of feeding a world of growing populations and depleted resources. The internship was a great learning experience that connected to the real world problems our generation will face.”
Why do you want to bring this project to your school/community center/organization? What are your objectives?
Redmond High School is one of the smartest schools in the state—and the nation. With the resources and intelligence this city has, we could really help the world introduce and implement aquaponics.
What current clubs are available? What teachers/courses could integrate this project?
Currently, Redmond High does have an Environmental club and a Culinary Arts class that grows greens in our school’s greenhouse. This may be difficult to integrate into a class, because teachers start planning their year months in advance – we might already be too late. However, National Honor Society might be a good way to get the whole school involved with our project. Working on an aquaponics system that is set up in our own school’s greenhouse may work as in school volunteer hours. The AP Biology and AP Environmental class teachers may be willing to help us out.
What is your plan? What does your timeline look like throughout the year?
Honors Society -> After School Clubs -> Integrate into curriculums (AP Bio / APES)
What challenges do you think you will face in getting this set up?
Funding – We already have two tanks and a greenhouse, but other than that, we don’t have anything. If we don’t get funding, we are going to be in trouble.
Member involvement – Honors Society Members only need 7 in-school hours. Once members have completed those 7 hours, they may just give up and stop working on the aquaponics system.