Seeds in Space (Seeds)
Research Area: Classroom version of ISS Investigations
Expedition(s): 9
Principal Investigator: ● Jack van Loon, Free University Amsterdam,
Netherlands
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Seeds in Space demonstrates the
influence of gravity on the germination
and growth of plants to young people by
engaging them in the comparison of an
on-ground experiment. This allows
students to experience that science is fun
and that the weightless environment of
space opens new possibilities.RESULTS
Within the Netherlands, some 80,000
students participated, representing 15%
of the population in the age group of 10-
14 years old. In addition, another 80,000
German pupils, a few local schools in the
Moscow-Koroljov area and some in the
Dutch Antilles also participated.
Considering these numbers, it can be concluded that Seeds in Space was a very successful
educational project and might be considered for future spaceflight missions. The Dutch
schoolchildren simultaneously started the Seeds in Space experiment on April 22, 2004 by
planting their seeds in a rocket-shaped kit. After 4
days, they compared the growth of their seeds with
those of Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers’ aboard
the International Space Station. Kuipers opened his
“growing rocket” during a live video downlink from
the International Space Station. The plants in the
dark chamber had grown in all directions. In space,
the seedlings in the light chamber had grown larger
and were greener, and they had all grown towards
the same direction—towards the light. The children
who participated made conclusions about the
experiment.
The conclusion of Seeds: light or gravity help plants to know in which direction to grow. In the
absence of both, the plants get confused. The result of the Seeds experiment showed school
children how scientific research is undertaken, and contributes to space travel in the future. If
Start of the Seeds in Space experiment in April 2004. Via an
International Space Station inflight call, Dutch ESA astronaut
André Kuipers (top right on screen) joins a class of Dutch
children and Dutch Minister for Education, Culture, and
Science, Maria van der Hoeven (left). Over 70, 000
schoolchildren simultaneously started the experiment. ESA
image.A young student prepares her Seeds folding
rocket kit. ESA image.