Design and Build a Terrarium

Sharing the Planet with Plants

Plants and animals have a very delicate symbiosis that allows all of us the opportunity to live on Earth. The oxygen-rich air that we breathe is a result of the many diverse types of plants, from the largest sequoia to the smallest phytoplankton, that produce oxygen as a simple byproduct of photosynthesis. Plants also use the carbon dioxide that animals and humans exhale to grow, and they also are the foundation of all food webs. Without plants, life as we know it would be unsustainable.

NASA’s Plant Plans

NASA has already done several experiments involving plants on the International Space Station and is even planning to grow crops on other moons and planets in the coming decades. Our ability to grow crops on Mars will be essential to long-term colonies on the planet, but even the small, edible plants growing on the ISS currently allow astronauts the ability to have fresh, nutritious food after months of continuous space flight. There are also studies that show that growing plants, like flowers, can be beneficial to the mental health of astronauts.

Prizes

Everyone who submits an entry for this challenge will receive a certificate of completion. Challenge winners can select from two general admission tickets to Space Center Houston or a virtual chat with a NASA astronaut.

Level 1: Design and build a terrarium.

Level 2: Design and build a terrarium that also functions as a water filtration system.

Helpful hints for all levels:

• Explore the resources provided below to find many answers to your questions about water filtration, including a NASA Terrarium Mini-Garden activity.
• Work with family and friends to develop your system.
• Submit your entry by using the submission form on this webpage.
• Be creative!