Participants in the Iowa Plant the Moon Challenge will join a global science experiment and research challenge to examine how vegetable crops can grow in lunar soil. Iowa 4-H will support youth teams through funding from the Iowa Space Grant Consortium, the Iowa 4-H Foundation, and the ISU Integrated Pest Management Program.
NEW THIS YEAR: Youth can join a Plant the Moon SPIN Club to learn more about plants, space, and related careers!
How the Plant the Moon Challenge Works
The Plant the Moon Challenge is run by the Institute of Competition Sciences. Registered teams will receive real lunar soil simulant and other materials to conduct plant growth experiments. Teams will design and conduct their own experiment, collect data, analyze the results, and write a report. See the schedule below for specific dates when challenge assignments are due.
Teams can also partner with an Iowa State University graduate student to design and execute their experiments. The ISU graduate students come from various plant science fields and will communicate virtually with the teams they mentor to provide guidance throughout the program.
Teams will submit a report for review by scientists in related fields and can attend a closing symposium and awards ceremony held in May where top teams in each category will be recognized.
Registering an Iowa Team
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to provide free challenge registration with the Institute of Competition Sciences for up to 24 Iowa youth teams. To register a team, complete the form using the links below. This will secure your spot as an Iowa 4-H team and we will pay for your registration.(DO NOT register a team with the Institute of Competition Sciences. Your information will be provided to the Institute of Competition Sciences and your account setup will be completed in their system later.)
There are two divisions for the Plant the Moon. Please read the descriptions and choose the division best for your team. Teams will need a space and materials for growing plants indoors, and funding is available for some plant growth supplies. A single adult leader may register up to two teams. To register a team, click on the link for that division. Registration will close when all spots are filled.
Division 1: Plant the Moon Junior
10 team spots are available for youth in grades 4-8. Teams should be between 5 and 20 members, and an adult leader needs to register the team and coordinate activities.
Division 1 Registration: Plant the Moon Junior Registration
Division 2: Plant the Moon High School
14 team spots available for youth in grades 9-12. Teams should be between 3 and 5 members with an adult leader.
Division 2 Registration: Plant the Moon High School Registration
All teams that register to be part of the Iowa State University-led program are expected to complete all assignments as outlined in the schedule below.
Plant the Moon Schedule
*Please note all sessions are virtual and do not require in-person attendance.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, December 8 | Iowa Teams Informational Meeting (Team leaders only) |
| January 4-20 | Shipping of materials |
| Mid January | Experiment Planning Starts |
| January 20 | Opening Symposium |
| January 24 | Team Demographic Data Survey |
| January 31 | Initial Experimental Designs Due |
| February 1 | Experiments Start |
| February 28 | Midpoint Grow Updates Due |
| March 28 | Grow Period Ends |
| April 11 | Final Reports Due |
| April 25 | Project Videos and Surveys Due |
| May 6 | Closing Awards Ceremony |
Plant the Moon SPIN Club
For youth looking to expand their knowledge and experience in plant and space sciences, Iowa 4-H is offering a Plant the Moon SPIN Club. This club will meet virtually on the second and fourth Sunday from 2:00-3:00 PM from January through May. Meetings will include professional speakers in related fields, games, discussions, and other activities to learn more and explore careers.
The Plant the Moon SPIN Club registration is completed through the 4-H Online System. Club participation requires enrollment in Iowa 4-H. To register for the club, please email Maya Hayslett, hayslett@iastate.edu, for directions.
Preliminary Schedule:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 10 | What's it like on the moon |
| January 24 | Growing crops on the moon |
| February 14 | Horticulture — why is growing crops important |
| February 28 | Soil — what is soil and how is moon regolith different |
| March 7 | Hydroponics |
| March 14 | Food — fruits vs veggies, food safety, food preservation |
| April 11 | Space Travel |
| April 25 | Futures of Space and Agriculture |
| May 6 | Optional Field Trip to Iowa State University Campus |
| May 9 | Agrivoltaics, vertical farming |
| May 23 | Careers in horticulture and aerospace engineering |
Thank you to our sponsors!
Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management Program, Iowa Space Grant Consortium, Iowa 4-H Youth Development, and Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Visit the Plant the Moon website for more information on the Challenge.