Sustainable Solutions in Action: Exploring Food-Energy-Water Systems Through a Hands-on Learning Activity in the FAMU SEED Community Garden

This hands-on learning activity explores the interconnectedness of food, energy, and water (FEW) systems through engagement in the FAMU SEED (Sustainable Education and Engagement Development) Community Garden. As a key part of Florida A&M University’s School of the Environment—Sustainability Institute’s educational hub, the garden provides a dynamic platform for experiential learning. Located on a 0.25-acre plot, the garden integrates renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture practices to demonstrate real-world sustainability solutions. Students actively participate in analyzing solar energy output from a 100-kW panel array, monitoring water usage from a rainwater harvesting system, and evaluating crop health and productivity. Through fieldwork, data analysis, group discussions, and presentations, students develop practical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how integrated systems enhance environmental resilience and scalability. As part of the School of the Environment’s broader sustainability initiatives, this activity emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to tackling complex global challenges. Aligned with the 4DEE framework, the activity incorporates Core Ecological Concepts (CEC), Ecology Practices (EP), Human-Environment Interactions (HEI), and Cross-Cutting Themes (CCT), creating a comprehensive educational experience. The FAMU SEED garden, serving as a living laboratory, fosters critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and systems-based learning. By engaging with this activity, students not only deepen their knowledge of sustainability but also explore innovative solutions for pressing challenges such as climate adaptation, food security, and resource efficiency, preparing them to become future leaders in sustainability science and practice.