Activating STEM Muscles through Space Farming
Christine Brillhart and Lisa S. Tsay
Midland Public Schools Space Farming Coaches
brillhartcc@midlandps.org (Jefferson Middle School)
lisastsay@gmail.com (Saginaw Valley State University)
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Abstract:
As part of the efforts to support NASA's goal to provide astronauts with fresh vegetables and fruits in space missions, students in the Midland Public Schools District have been using simulated NASA growth chambers and materials to grow various NASA cultivars with the support of the Growing Beyond Earth program (a partnership between Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and NASA). Students have experimented with different growth variables, including the cut-and-come-again harvest method, water conservation, efficient fertilizer use, and LED grow light configurations. Through the ISS-simulated experiments, they've exercised plenty of STEM muscles, including detailed observational reports, experimental design, data and research results analysis, collaboration with STEM professionals, and communication of results with formal research presentations. In our presentation, we will discuss how those practices have helped shape their STEM practices beyond the classroom and share strategies for cultivating students' passion and ability to pursue STEM careers through space farming practices.
Poster Presentation: Session A: 10:00 a.m. ~ 11:00 a.m.
Oral Presentation: 1:10~1:20
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