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AMES -- Iowa youth interested in space exploration, plant science and hands-on research have a new opportunity to grow their skills while contributing to a NASA-inspired challenge.
Registration is now open for the 2027 Plant the Moon Challenge, a global project-based research competition that asks youth teams to investigate how crops can be grown in lunar regolith simulant. Through the challenge, participants design and conduct their own experiments while helping scientists better understand how future astronauts might grow food during long-term space missions.
To help young scientists prepare for the experience, Iowa 4-H is also launching a new Plant the Moon SPIN Club. The virtual club will meet on the second and fourth Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., January through May, and will connect youth with professionals in plant, agriculture and space science fields through guest speakers, activities, discussions and career exploration opportunities. Youth will learn about life on the moon, growing crops in extreme environments, hydroponics, soil science, food systems, the future of agriculture and space exploration and related career pathways.
“The Plant the Moon Challenge is an excellent opportunity for youth to engage in real research,” said Maya Hayslett, Iowa 4-H crop science education specialist. “I love that youth not only get to design and implement their own research projects, but they also receive feedback from expert scientists. We applaud the hard work and creative thinking of these young scientists and look forward to welcoming new teams in 2027.”
For more information about the Iowa Plant the Moon Challenge and Club, visit www.ipm.iastate.edu/iowa-plant-moon-challenge or contact Maya Hayslett at hayslett@iastate.edu.