Resources > MARSfarm - Growing Beyond Earth

MARSfarm Curriculum

STEMworks, in partnership with MARSfarm, created a high school curriculum that is place based and alined to AFNR and NGSS standards. Teachers may borrow a MARSfarm Version 1 (MV1) unit from the lending library to combine with the curriculum in their classroom. The MV1 is a countertop-sized smart greenhouse with consumable growing material kits. Software controls the heat, light, and water, uploading data and pictures hourly. The MV1 is linked to an online platform, which converts sensor data into charts and time-lapses. Students can program new climate recipes sent to their greenhouse to replicate any conditions or climate they want to test.

The curriculum consists of three units, that can be used in a plug and play manner into your existing curriculum or can be utilized throughout the entire school year.

  • Unit 1: Plant Growth Requirements & Management

  • Unit 2: Changes & Threats to Plant Ecosystems

  • Unit 3: Career Exploration & Independent Research

For more information on what to expect from each unit, check out this lesson summary document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UMfepMPnwBPT2AgQ_RNu02qWMDMAvpa5QyD42yznGAM/edit?usp=sharing

If you are interested in learning more about using the MV1 in your classroom reach out to Britney: britney@medb.org

Growing Beyond Earth Curriculum

The Growing Beyond Earth (GBE) Curriculum allows students to complete a citizen science research project for NASA to collect data on the best plants to grow in space on the international space station. Each year new crops are selected by NASA for students to complete their research in. The first semester is a controlled research project and the second semester allows students to pick one variable to change. At the end of the research project, students could present their findings at the Hawaii STEM Conference or at other student symposiums.

This is a year long commitment open to middle school and high school classrooms to participate in.

Teacher resources for growing plants in space can be found here: https://fairchildgarden.org/growing-beyond-earth-teacher-resources/

If you are interested in learning more about GBE, reach out to Britney: britney@medb.org