From the first education investigation sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory® that launched to station in 2014 to the winners of the 2024 Genes in Space student research competition, the ISS National Lab supports educational projects that are paving the way for the next generation of scientists and explorers. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education projects empower students to engage in groundbreaking research, fostering innovation and curiosity. By providing unique opportunities in microgravity, the ISS National Lab inspires young minds to pursue careers that will contribute to future scientific advancements and technological innovations. Explore some groundbreaking ISS National Lab-related STEM education projects and their captivating imagery.
This image shows the Ant Forage Habitat Facility photographed by an Expedition 38 crew member on the ISS.
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
The first ISS National Lab-sponsored STEM education investigation, “Ants in Space,” launched to the ISS in 2014. The Stanford University project studied ants in microgravity in hopes of gaining insight into “swarm intelligence” (or how the actions of one impact the behavior of a group). This research allowed educators and students of all grade levels to participate in space-based life science research.
2015 Genes in Space winner Anna-Sophia Boguraev watched her investigation launch to the ISS onboard SpaceX CRS-8.
Media Credit: Image courtesy of Boeing
In 2015, Anna-Sophia Boguraev, winner of the 2014 Genes in Space (GIS) competition, watched her investigation launch to the ISS onboard SpaceX CRS-8. Then a high school student, Boguraev now attends Harvard Medical School and recently moderated a GIS-focused panel at ISSRDC 2024 entitled, “Where Are They Now.”
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Pesquet with 1.2 million Tomatosphere seeds that launched to the ISS on February 19, 2017.
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
Do tomato seeds flown in space grow differently than those that remained on Earth? The answer can be found through the award-winning Tomatosphere program, where K-12 students cultivate and study seeds exposed to the space environment. This free program is just one example of the many Space Station Explorers partner programs that use space and the ISS as a learning tool in classrooms.
NASA astronauts Kate Rubins (left) and Jeff Williams (right) prepare to grapple the SpaceX Dragon supply spacecraft from onboard the International Space Station.
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
Sometimes, the path to space can be challenging. Students in the first-ever Space Station National Design Challenge began their projects in 4th grade and finished them as 7th graders, excitedly watching as their investigations launched into orbit. It was a long road to the ISS, but they made it!
In partnership with Nanoracks, members of Boy Scout Troop 209, a part of the Pathway to Adventure Council based in Chicago, are seeking to better understand how bacteria functions in space.
After two years of hard work, Boy Scout Troop 209 members were excited to see their projects head to the space station. Their assistant scoutmaster couldn’t have said it better when he remarked, “Even if something fails up there, it’s already a success!”
The Guardians of the Galaxy Challenge encouraged students to develop flight proposals based on the attributes of super heroes Groot and Rocket.
Are you Team Rocket or Team Groot? Through a partnership with Marvel Entertainment, students ages 13-18 were challenged to design space-based investigations in plant biology and regeneration (Team Groot) or materials science and technology development (Team Rocket). The winning experiments—one exploring alternative methods for watering plants in the absence of gravity and the other testing dental glue—launched to the ISS onboard SpaceX CRS-18.
Shannon Walker onboard the International Space Station
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
Story Time From Space, one of the longest-running, most successful education programs sponsored by the ISS National Lab, went live for the first time when NASA astronaut Shannon Walker read “Willow the Water Bear” while orbiting Earth on the space station.
"Mission DreamStar" Barbie dolls float in front of the International Space Station’s cupola window
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
Barbie showed young girls that pursuing a career in space when they grow up is attainable. Her mission to inspire girls reached new heights when two Barbie dolls traveled to the International Space Station.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch experiments with Nickelodeon slime in space.
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
Slime in space? Absolutely! A project with the infamous Nickelodeon slime in space was fun, VERY messy, and meaningful, because it gave us valuable scientific data on liquid behavior in space. This unique project had the added benefit of showing kids (and adults) that science doesn’t have to be boring.
Five varieties of Choctaw heirloom seeds shown here onboard the ISS will spend months in microgravity before being returned to Earth.
Media Credit: Image courtesy of NASA
Research blending Native American cultural heritage with science education and space exploration sent five varieties of Choctaw heirloom seeds to the ISS. Now that the seeds are returned to Earth, Choctaw students in Oklahoma will grow the space-flown seeds to see if spaceflight affects their growth.
