Students at Central Cass High School this year took a deep dive into microbiological sciences after participating in NASA’s Plant the Moon challenge with the assistance from NDSU’s Department Microbiological Sciences.
The annual global science experiment lets participants research how vegetable crops could grow in lunar soil. The competition has multiple levels, including an elementary school, middle school, high school and professional level. Teams consist of up to eight students in the same age group.
Barney Geddes, NDSU assistant professor and Richard and Linda Offerdahl Faculty Fellow in microbiology, has partnered with surrounding high schools for the competition since 2021. Marley Lund-Peterson, a microbiological sciences graduate student, took over as the lead coordinator of the project this spring.
In addition to putting the scientific method into practice, Lund-Peterson said the project is a great way to get students introduced and engaged in science.
“Participating in Plant the Moon over the last two years has helped me see how impactful our outreach initiatives are for our surrounding community,” Lund-Peterson said. “Multiple students have expressed interest in science and/or microbiology after participating in the competition. We even have two students – one from Davies High School and one from Central Cass High School - who work in Dr. Geddes’ lab as a high schooler because of her experience with Plant the Moon. One of them has even presented her research at the NDSU Explore research day.”
Students used the new greenhouse at Central Cass High School this year, which allowed them to watch the project’s progress first-hand. In past years the greenhouses on NDSU’s campus have been utilized.
Lund-Peterson, along with others in the microbiological sciences department, visited Central Cass High School in February for planting day, and once again in March for harvesting day. Both days were when students can ask questions and get hands-on with the project.
Going to the school and meeting with the students is among Lund-Peterson’s favorite part of her involvement with the Plant the Moon competition.
“The relationships we have built with students and the teachers make any delays or troubleshooting well worth the effort,” she said.
Harvesting day is when students learn the most about microbiological sciences, as they view how the plants have grown over the span of nine weeks.
“During the harvest day, we show the students the root nodules that formed on their plant roots during the growing period,” Lund-Peterson said. “I think this is the most exciting part of the project for the microbiology aspect, especially since nodules form when there is nitrogen present in the soil – a variable we try to control during the experiment.”
In addition to giving area high schoolers valuable hands-on experience in science, Lund-Peterson said the project highlights the importance of outreach in the community.
“Engaging with our surrounding community isn't just an added task for scientists, it’s a core responsibility. Just as crucial as our work inside the lab, outreach fosters understanding, collaboration and trust, empowering us to create meaningful impact beyond the boundaries of our research,” she said.
Apply now to take part in the several outreach opportunities at NDSU or schedule a visit to see what we have to offer.
