RESULTS
CSI-03 investigated the growth and behavior
of spiders and butterflies aboard the ISS
during expeditions 18 and 21/22. The
experiments were designed to engage
students in authentic science investigations
and increase their interest in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) academic areas. During expedition 18,
the butterflies did not successfully pupate into
adults due to food problems. The orb-weaver
spiders, however, thrived in this environment.
Students were able to track their web building
and feeding activities throughout the
expedition. This experiment was successful
and laid the groundwork for future similar
experiments to engage students. Teachers
reported 80% of students expressed interest in science careers following completion of the
investigation. On expedition 21/22, CSI-03 allowed students to track morphological, behavioral,
and developmental differences from their own in-class butterflies to those aboard the ISS real-
time. This experiment was highly publicized by several different media sources including social
media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. During this expedition, approximately
180,000 students from all 50 states and 23 countries were able to observe 4 Vanessa cardui
(painted lady) butterflies aboard ISS. CSI-03 showed that engaging students with hands-on
scientific experiments is effective in increasing conceptual understandings and enthusiasm for
science (Moreno 2012).PUBLICATION(S)
Moreno NP, Vogt GL, Denk JP, Countryman S, Stodieck LS, Thomson WA. Butterflies and spiders
in space: Space life science investigations for the classroom. Gravitational and Space Biology.
2012;26(1):77-87.These investigations are complete and all results are published.Orb weaving spider with web in CSI-03 habitat onboard the
International Space Station (ISS) during ISS Expedition 18.
Image courtesy of BioServe Space Technologies image,
Boulder, Colorado.