Scientific Inquiry

HOW: Describe data collection method with rationale. Why was your method the best way to collect useful data in a safe manner?

I set up an aquaponic system at Mililani High School. While growing cuttings manoa lettuce as well as tilapia for a month, water quality was tested every day (total ammonia nitrate, nitrate, and nitrite) and every Monday (dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH) to ensure stable conditions to keep the system running. The data shows what the water quality needs to be to keep the plants and fishes healthy. This method was the best way to collect useful data because it monitored the health of both types of living organisms in this system. In addition, it is more useful to observe water quality than plant or fish growth because the time frame did not allow significant data for those two factors.

DATA COLLECTION: Describe how you implemented your plan and collected data that provides information about present conditions?

I created the aquaponic system with my mentor, Mr. Vaughs by utilizing materials he already had (some PV pipes, grow beds, water tank, lights, growing medium, and a pump.)  We created the bell siphon and set up the pipes to create the proper water works. After that I washed the growing media and assembled everything. The data collected through multiple water testing trials represents the water quality of the aquaponics system. The data was collected before the filtration of nitrate as well as after. This shows the science (nitrogen cycle) behind the system and how the system works. The data shows the water quality levels as water is being naturally filtered by the plants that are absorbing the nutrients and purifying the water.