USA - Pennsylvania: Local Teacher Brings ‘Flexible Farming’ to Life in Brookville Elementary Science Class

AgricultureEducationSustainable AgricultureIndoor Vertical FarmingControlled Environment AgHydroponic Growing Equipment

Nov 25

November 3, 2025

BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – At Brookville Elementary, the freshest lettuce isn’t grown in a garden bed—it’s grown indoors, without even touching soil.

This innovative approach is thanks to a grant written by Kain Kennemuth, a second-year science teacher, who brought a fully functioning hydroponics system, called the Flex Farm, to the classroom.

Mr. Kennemuth’s primary goal is not only to bring science to life but to establish a direct farm-to-cafeteria pipeline—letting students harvest and serve their own fresh lettuce for school lunches.

The cafeteria plans to start using the student-grown lettuce in salads soon, making Brookville one of the few elementary schools in the region with such a program.

“This project ties directly into our science curriculum, but it also teaches responsibility, sustainability, and nutrition,” Mr. Kennemuth told explore JeffersonPA.com.

Hands-On Science and Sustainability

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using only a nutrient-rich water solution. The Flex Farm system, which sits in the science lab, includes LED grow lights and a water circulation system that students learn to monitor and adjust.

Through the Flexible Farming project, students explore a wide range of scientific concepts, including:

Plant biology: learning how plants grow, photosynthesize, and reproduce
Chemistry: mixing and balancing nutrient solutions for optimal plant health
Data collection and analysis: measuring growth rates, pH levels, and water usage
Sustainability: discussing how hydroponics can conserve resources and reduce food waste

The hands-on nature of the project has quickly engaged students, who appreciate the practical application of their learning.

One 4th grader commented, “I love it whenever we go to the lab to look at the lettuce. The sound and smells are so relaxing.”

Another shared, “It is crazy how much the lettuce grows every time we see it; I always try to find the one I planted. I am so excited to finally eat it. I really hope Mr. Kennemuth brings in a gallon of ranch for us because I really don’t like the taste of lettuce.”

Real-World Solutions

This project is not just teaching textbook science—it’s showing students that they can be part of real-world solutions to food production and sustainability.

Kennemuth hopes this is just the beginning.

“We’d love to expand to other crops, and maybe even share what we’re learning with other classes or schools in the district,” he emphasized.

With green leaves sprouting and young minds growing, Brookville’s experiment in Flexible Farming is proving that the future of farming might just begin in a fourth-grade classroom.