Dr. Christina Symon's AP Biology students have spent the last few weeks participating in NASA's Growing Beyond Earth project. In three weeks, the dill Fernleaf and Genovese basil have grown well while the French tarragon is still yet to break the surface.
The future of space exploration with crews living in orbit for longer periods of time will require a nutritional system that will keep astronauts healthy long term. Preserved foods over time will lose their nutritional value, so NASA has launched their Growing Beyond Earth Program to test growing produce in space.
The Growing Beyond Earth Program will be not only benefit the astronauts from a nourishment standpoint, but also from a psychological aspect as they grow some of their own food.
Since its inception in 2015, the Growing Beyond Earth Program has had more than 10,000 high and middle school students’ contribution to NASA’s research with over 200 different plant types around the country. Schools are provided with all of the materials needed to conduct research similar to how plants are grown in “the Veggie chamber” on the International Space Station.
Dr. Symons shared her excitement about this year-long project: “In the spring semester, when the main growing project is done, the students will have the opportunity to propose a 'Trial 2' which culminates in a symposium where those who choose to participate would present their findings to NASA scientists. Not only will participation be great for college applications, but if they win an honorable mention or the grand prize, there are scholarship opportunities.”
Concordia students experience real-world applications throughout our entire curriculum, not just in the science department. Our faculty does an amazing job finding and creating these opportunities for our Crusaders! Click HERE to learn more about the academic offerings at Concordia.
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