Growing Beyond Earth

This poster highlights a compelling citizen science project that engages students in helping NASA research and grow food for long-duration space missions (Moon and Mars).The Challenge & Student Role:Students transform their classrooms into simulated International Space Station (ISS) habitats, conducting controlled plant growth experiments. They test various plant cultivars and optimize growing techniques (like lighting and pollination) to determine what works best in a space-flight environment.Real-World Impact (Why it Matters):The reliable, authentic data collected by students is directly transmitted to NASA scientists. This information is critical for selecting the most resilient and edible plant varieties to sustain future astronaut crews on deep-space missions.2026 Trial Focus: Fruiting CropsTarget: Which fruiting plant cultivars grow best under simulated ISS conditions during a longer, 70-day growth period?Cultivar: Tomato – Micro TAudience: Optional, in-depth trial for returning educators. This project offers a ready-to-implement, standards-aligned model for transforming a middle school science classrooms into hubs of authentic research and global collaboration