Combining Hydroponics and Three-Dimensional Printing to Foster 21st Century Skills in Elementary Students

Eleni A. Papadopoulou (), Vassilios Tsiantos (), Euripides Hatzikraniotis, Dimitris Karampatzakis and Michalis Maragakis
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Eleni A. Papadopoulou: Applied Mathematics Laboratory, Department of Physics, School of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Vassilios Tsiantos: Applied Mathematics Laboratory, Department of Physics, School of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Euripides Hatzikraniotis: Laboratory of Teaching Physics & Educational Technology, Department of Physics, School of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Dimitris Karampatzakis: Department of Informatics, School of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 65404 Kavala, Greece
Michalis Maragakis: Department of Physics, School of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 65404 Kavala, Greece

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-27

Abstract: This article reports on a mixed-methods evaluation of a hydroponics-based learning curriculum for fourth and fifth grade students that incorporated 3D design and 3D printing technologies. This study provides a better understanding of the extent to which experiential indoor gardening applications can be used in the formal curriculum as an effective teaching tool to sensitize participants to the prudent use of water, avoiding its wastage. The primary objective was to introduce students to the processes of 3D printing and hydroponics, while also assessing the enhancement of their 21st century skills. The participating students presented significant improvement in environmental knowledge scores about hydroponics, as well as high overall scores on collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking (the 4Cs). The teachers noted the modern, innovative character of the program, as well as the ease of use of the included, offered, educational material.

Keywords: hydroponics; 3D printing; 21st century skills; elementary students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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