Join the Challenge


    On this page:
    ›  How to Participate
    ›  Background
    ›  Safety
    ›  Teach the Challenge
    ›  Design Challenge Certificate of Participation


    How to Participate

    Materials included in the MISSE seed kit

    The MISSE Seed Kit contains space-flown seeds and seeds not flown in space. Image Credit: NASA

     In the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber, students in grades K-12 design, analyze, build and assess plant growth chambers that could be used on the moon. Two sets of seeds, a packet of cinnamon basil seeds that flew for a year on the International Space Station and a control packet of seeds that have not flown, can be used to evaluate the student-designed plant growth chamber. To order seeds, please send an email to JSC-Teaching-From-Space@mail.nasa.gov.


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    Background

    What is a plant growth chamber, and why is it of interest to NASA? NASA is interested in facilities that support plant growth because plants will play an extraordinarily important role in allowing humans to explore destinations like the moon and Mars. The challenge faced by lunar farmers is that the moon has no atmosphere, no liquid water and no "normal" nutritional components in the soil. Under these inhospitable conditions, growing plants is a challenge.
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    Safety

    Safety is an important goal for all curricular areas of education. It is the responsibility of the school's administration for providing a learning environment that is safe, up-to-date and supportive of learning. Additionally, teachers are responsible for their students’ welfare in the classroom and laboratory.
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    Teach the Challenge

    Here you will find information about the three ways to participate in the challenge. Review the brief descriptions and select the appropriate educator guide for your students. Choose from Moon Munchies for grades K-4, Packing Up for the Moon for grades 5-8 and Lunar Plant Growth Chamber for grades 9-12.
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    Design Challenge Certificate of Participation

    After completing the challenge activities, return to this page to print your own NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Certificate of Participation.
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