Rachael Grillo

Georgia Teachers Initiative Grant Winner

At Locust Grove High School, Ms. Grillo’s hydroponics project will transform environmental science education into a hands-on, community-driven experience. Supported by a $649 Teacher Grant for Innovation, the initiative engages AP Environmental Science and Community Service students in designing and maintaining indoor hydroponic towers to grow fresh produce for local food donations. Through testing water quality, tracking plant growth, and comparing hydroponic and traditional crops, students will apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges. The project stands out for linking STEM learning with civic engagement, addressing food insecurity while cultivating problem-solving and sustainability skills. By merging science, service, and sustainability, it offers a scalable model that redefines how students learn and give back to their communities.

Innovation in my classroom means moving beyond textbooks to create hands-on, student-driven learning experiences that connect science to real-world challenges. I apply for grants as often as possible to acquire non-traditional equipment to go beyond the standards and beyond the books. By integrating hydroponics, students engage in problem-solving, data analysis, and sustainability practices while addressing food insecurity in our community. This approach disrupts “education as usual” by blending STEM learning with service, empowering students to see themselves as innovators and change-makers. Innovation allows students to take ownership of their learning, collaborate with peers, and apply knowledge in transformative ways that build lasting skills.

- Rachael Grillo

Rachael Grillo

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