Hydroponics Playground Garden, 'Playponics'; designing integrated sustainability and STEM education through play

This study involves apparently unconnected topics; physical play, environmental sustainability and early years STEM education delivery. Although this applied research is at early to intermediate stages, this disclosure discusses and positions our thinking, rational, research themes and methods when ‘designing for children’. From practicing designers’ perspectives, we consider what kinds of learning mechanisms can be capitalised upon when designing educational experiences, and how these diverse headline topics might be holistically considered and integrated into new learning experiences. We explore the role of physical play in learning about STEM, and design education, with the aim of increasing awareness in future populations of environmental sustainability issues. We report on our progress, findings, and our anticipated next steps. We conclude that evidence to date strongly indicates high levels of acceptance of this approach.

Playponics: Integrating Sustainability and STEM Education through Play

This paper discusses the design of educational experiences for children to learn about environmental sustainability and STEAM topics through physical play. The project, called Playponics, aims to increase awareness of environmental sustainability issues among future generations. The design focuses on integrating learning mechanisms and diverse topics into potential new learning experiences. The project is a collaboration between Designers at the Lab4Living (L4L) at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), Ativa Design, and schools and businesses in the Delhi region, and is supported by the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF). The project is based on the idea that children learn better through experience and interaction rather than just information transfer. The team has developed a concept of play equipment called Playponics and has installed and monitored a number of learning ecosystems in schools. The project aims to support India Government legislation and policy regarding STEAM and EE infusion, alongside meeting targets set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

This research is important for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the pressing issue of environmental sustainability, which is a global concern. By focusing on children's education, this project aims to instill knowledge about sustainable practices and the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. Secondly, it promotes the integration of STEAM education with environmental education, which is critical for developing well-rounded and informed individuals who can contribute to solving complex environmental problems. Lastly, this project is supported by the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) and collaborates with schools and businesses in the Delhi region, demonstrating its potential for creating positive impact at local and global levels.

Key Takeaways:

1. This research proposes a concept called Playponics, which combines physical play with hydroponic systems to educate children about STEAM, horticultural practices, and environmental sustainability.

2. The project aims to support India Government legislation and policy regarding STEAM and EE infusion, alongside meeting targets set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

3. The research focuses on the design of educational play systems that incorporate local materials, fabrication, installation, and maintenance, as well as health, nutrition, PA, and technical/STEAM lessons.

4. The project has received support from schools and educators and has generated interest from potential future stakeholders.

5. The Playponics prototype was exhibited and demonstrated at the 11th Sustainability Summit GRIHA in Delhi, showcasing its potential for creating positive impact at local and global levels.