Our World: Systems to Grow Plants in Space
No matter where plants grow, they have the same basic needs: water, nutrients, light, temperature, and atmosphere. No matter where humans may live, they need plants. Dr. Gioia Massa explains how NASA grows plants on the International Space Station in preparation for growing plants beyond Earth and, someday, on the Moon and Mars. Jacob Torres describes the hardware needed to provide open and closed systems for plant growth in space. This video shows how NASA scientists and engineers work together to learn more about ways plants live, grow, and adapt to live in varying environments.
Background Information
Grades K through 5
- Astro Science Journal for Teens Can we grow safe and nutritious food in space?
- Genes in Space Dr. Gioia Massa - Fresh Food for the Ride to Space
- Kids Gardening Plants in Space
- NASA Growing Plants in Space
- NASA NASA at Home Spaceport Series Episode Five: Growing Plants in Space
- NASA Pick-and-eat Salad-crop Productivity, Nutritional Value, and Acceptability to Supplement the ISS Food System (Veg-05)
- NASA Seven Ways the International Space Station Helps Us Study Plant Growth in Space
- NASA Sowing the Seeds of Future Space Travel
- NASA The Vegetable Production System on the ISS
- NASA Veggie Fact Sheet
- NASA Veggie Plant Growth System Activated on International Space Station
Activities
Grades K through 5
- NASA Moon Munchies Educator Guide
- Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens Growing Beyond Earth
- NASA How Does Your Garden Grow?
- NASA Lunar Plant Growth Chamber
Grades 9 through 12
- Exploratorium Vegetable Revival