Astrocrops - Growing plants for future space missions | Teach with space PR43

In this set of activities students will build an understanding of germination and plant growth by following the development of three unknown plants for 12 weeks. They will conduct measurements and make observations to evaluate their plants’ growth and health. Students will use their observations to make a hypothesis about which species of plants they are growing and discuss whether these plants are suitable for growing on long duration space missions. This activity is part of a series that includes “AstroFood”, where students investigate other possible future space foods, and “AstroFarmer”, where students explore growing plants in space and factors that affect plant growth.

Age range: 8-12 years old

Subject: Science, Biology

Keywords: science, biology, plants, seeds, germination, basil, tomato, radish, stem, leaf, fruit, flower, root

This classroom resource is part of a set of resources developed by ESA’s Education Office in collaboration with ESEROs to support the Moon Camp project.

How do plants change as they grow? In this video we will explore the process of germination and plant growth by following the development of three plants for 12 weeks. Once the plants have all grown up, we can identify them and evaluate which plant may be best to grow in space!