For the 10th anniversary of Growing Beyond Earth, a groundbreaking program connecting classrooms with NASA scientists, nearly 1,250 students from 71 schools worldwide took part in a live chat session. The program, led by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, has been bridging the gap between science education and space exploration for over a decade.
During the session, which was held in collaboration with NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Crop Production team, students learned how their classroom experiments were contributing to real NASA research on growing crops for future astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. "Our students are contributing to real NASA science," said one participating teacher. "It's incredibly motivating for them to know their data could influence what astronauts eat in space someday."
The program has already seen significant success, with over 120,000 students across 800+ classrooms testing more than 250 plant cultivars since its inception. Five student-tested crops have even been grown aboard the International Space Station.
Growing Beyond Earth exemplifies NASA's Science Activation program, which aims to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with cutting-edge research. By engaging students as active participants in research projects like GBE, these programs not only advance NASA's goals but also cultivate curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation of scientists and explorers.
In a statement, Dr. Gioia Massa, senior leader of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Crop Production team, said, "When students see themselves as part of NASA's mission, they realize science isn't something distant, it's something they can do." The program has made significant strides in promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
During the session, which was held in collaboration with NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Crop Production team, students learned how their classroom experiments were contributing to real NASA research on growing crops for future astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. "Our students are contributing to real NASA science," said one participating teacher. "It's incredibly motivating for them to know their data could influence what astronauts eat in space someday."
The program has already seen significant success, with over 120,000 students across 800+ classrooms testing more than 250 plant cultivars since its inception. Five student-tested crops have even been grown aboard the International Space Station.
Growing Beyond Earth exemplifies NASA's Science Activation program, which aims to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with cutting-edge research. By engaging students as active participants in research projects like GBE, these programs not only advance NASA's goals but also cultivate curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation of scientists and explorers.
In a statement, Dr. Gioia Massa, senior leader of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Crop Production team, said, "When students see themselves as part of NASA's mission, they realize science isn't something distant, it's something they can do." The program has made significant strides in promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of space explorers.
I think this is so cool! It's awesome that students from all over the world got to connect with NASA scientists and learn how their experiments are helping to grow crops for astronauts on long-duration missions. 
It's great to see initiatives like Growing Beyond Earth making STEM education more accessible and fun, especially for young people who might not have considered a career in science otherwise. The fact that they got to see their data being used by real NASA research is super motivating for them, right? 
Students getting to chat with NASA scientists and contribute to real research on growing crops for astronauts? 
That's out of this world (pun intended) 
. It's amazing how these young minds are already making a difference in space exploration 
. And can you believe it's all happening since 10 years ago? 
Time flies when you're having fun and learning about STEM 
. I'm sure it's super motivating for the students to know their data could influence what astronauts eat in space someday 
. This program is a perfect example of how science education can come together with space exploration to inspire the next gen of scientists and explorers 
!
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of real NASA research? 
. Like, have you ever thought about what people eat on the Moon or Mars? 
. It's the future we need – a future where everyone has the chance to make a difference 
.
. This is so cool!!! 1,250 students from all over the world participating in a live chat session with NASA scientists? That's like, totally mind-blowing 
I can imagine how motivating it must be for those students to know their data could influence what astronauts eat in space one day 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to grow crops for astronauts on the Moon or Mars? 
The fact that it's already helped over 120k students across 800+ classrooms is just mind-blowing... I'm sure those kids are totally inspired to pursue careers in science and exploration now 
. But to think that our kids can actually contribute to real NASA research and help grow crops for space missions? That's just mind-blowing 
!
The fact that their classroom experiments can influence what astronauts eat in space someday is just mind-blowing. 
And let's not forget, 5 student-tested crops have even been grown aboard the International Space Station?! 
Growing Beyond Earth is literally changing the game for future astronauts! Can you imagine being able to grow your own food in space? 