Jenny Tran ’25 (right) explaining her research to Ms. Katie Weaver at the recent Advanced Research Poster Symposium at the Hub. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
At the heart of Northwood School’s educational approach is a deep exploration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The school fosters a unique learning environment that not only encourages students to absorb knowledge but also to actively engage in research and critical thinking. This approach transforms education into a lived experience, setting the stage for innovative projects like the one led by Jenny Tran ’25.
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In one of Ms. Jill Walker’s STEM classes, Jenny Tran ‘25 stands out as a great example of student-driven projects. Jenny is dedicated to testing optimal nutrient intake while growing lettuce using hydroponics, which utilizes water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil. This process in a well-designed and scientifically formulated hydroponic system will ensure that plants maintain the same mineral content as those grown in soil, making farming more viable in areas with extreme droughts and low soil quality.
Witnessing the food insecurity issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in her hometown, Jenny ventured into this project with a mission in mind. “During COVID, I saw an article about food insecurity in Ho Chi Minh City, where I live. Many families couldn’t afford nutritional food. I wanted to see if hydroponics could solve food insecurity in urban settings,” she explained.
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Ms. Jill Walker’s class is not just about consuming information. It’s about actively engaging in the educational journey, fostering independence and adaptability. For Jenny Tran ’25, this approach has been instrumental in her pursuit of understanding hydroponics and its potential impact on food insecurity. She sees this project as a valuable learning opportunity, a stepping stone towards her future studies in biology.
The emphasis on student-driven projects like Jenny’s extensive project illustrates the school’s role in providing a platform where problem-solving and creativity skills are encouraged and expected. The journey through STEM education at Northwood is not limited to textbooks but allows students to navigate their paths, set goals, and bring their ideas to life.