A Space Farm Kit

This engaging hydroponics classroom kit helps students investigate how seeds germinate using nutrient solutions instead of soil. It connects plant science, sustainability, and agricultural innovation in a meaningful, career-focused way.

Investigate Hydroponic Cultivation and Photosynthesis

Students use nutrient substrates other than soil to germinate seeds, learning what nutrients are essential for growth. The experiment introduces key concepts such as photosynthesis, hydroponic cultivation, and plant development. After waiting at least 7 days for seeds to sprout, students gently transfer the seedlings into soil to compare growing conditions.

Designed for Structured Lab Exploration

The activity requires two 20-minute lab periods for setup and initial learning, followed by ongoing observation over weeks or months. This extended observation period reinforces scientific inquiry, data collection, and critical thinking. The kit is designed for 24 students working in pairs, making it ideal for collaborative classroom investigations.

Connects to Agriculture, Environmental, and STEM Career Pathways

This resource supports Agriculture and Environmental Systems career clusters by introducing controlled environment agriculture and sustainable food production. Students explore how future farmers, agricultural engineers, and space scientists solve food production challenges in nontraditional environments. It promotes career-ready skills such as problem-solving, experimentation, collaboration, and data analysis. Full contents below. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for Upper Elementary.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

CHOKING HAZARD (1). Not for under 3 yrs.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Hands-on hydroponic seed germination experiment
• Encourages scientific inquiry and data tracking
• Connects to Agriculture, Environmental Systems, and space science careers
• Promotes sustainable food production awareness
• Explores growing food in space or extreme environments
• Teaches photosynthesis, nutrient needs, and plant biology

Help students imagine the future of farming with A Space Farm Kit. Bring space agriculture and hydroponic science into your STEM classroom today.

Kit includes:

• Plastic bags
• One-ounce cups
• Bean or pea seeds
• Space soil I (used in nutrient mixture)
• Space soil II (vermiculite)
• Sodium hydroxide, 0.1 M
• pH paper
• Petri dishes
• Sunflower seeds
• Space salts
• Toothpicks
• Hydrochloric acid, 0.1 M
• Manual

Materials needed, but not included:

• Distilled water (1.5 L)
• Stirring rod/spoon
• 1000 mL beaker