The Marvelous Masterminds at Bill Arp Elementary recently walked away first place winners in a
statewide STEM challenge designed specifically for third- through fifth- grade students. Sponsored by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag-in-the-Classroom program, the competition drew entries from classrooms across 86 different counties in Georgia.
In this hands-on hydroponics experiment, the young innovators stepped into the roles of real-world engineers and agricultural experts. Using water, nutrients and recycled materials –such as water bottles and yarn– the team designed and built a sophisticated, "soil-free" growing system, offering a creative solution for small spaces and big ideas.
Throughout the project, the Masterminds showcased their talents by making predictions, designing controlled experiments and carefully collecting data to compare plant growth using cotton versus rockwool as growing mediums. The challenge encouraged critical thinking and sustainability as students explored how hydroponics can help feed communities in urban environments, perfectly aligning with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and Georgia Agricultural Education.
“Standing out at the top of such a vast and competitive field is a testament to our students' brilliant creativity and commitment to scientific excellence,” said Andrea McKellar, an accelerated learning program teacher at Bill Arp Elementary.
The celebration reached its peak on January 8 when Mrs. Fulwood, representing the Georgia Agriculture Foundation, visited Bill Arp to present the winners with their well-deserved prizes.
Champions David Dozier, Jailyn Crook, Nicolas Espinoza, Mackenzie Howard, Antwan Glover, Maxwell McConnell, Tony Memma, Marquis Phelps, and Thomas Wood were awarded first-place ribbons and certificates, along with a $250 cash award for their classroom. To keep their green thumbs growing, the team also received a Hydroponics Growing System Kit, which includes a massive 108-plant site gardening aquaponics tower.
“We extend a huge thank you to Mrs. McKellar, Mrs. Gorzynski, and Mr. Donis for their guidance, and an even bigger congratulations to our Marvelous Masterminds for proving that they truly are the future leaders of Georgia agriculture,” said Principal Christy Shackelford.