Get Involved with Astrobotany
NGSS Aligned Lesson Plans for Educators
The Astrobotany International Research Initiative (AIRI) is an open-source astrobotany research platform that seeks to support ongoing space plant biology research through an interactive, collaborative space. AIRI has NGSS aligned lesson plans perfect for your classroom.
On ExoLab-11, Magnitude.io will be sending model legume Medicago truncatula to the ISS in Q1 of 2024. Join us as we team up to launch a citizen science curriculum with open-source features for Magnitude’s latest mission. Check out ExoLab for hands-on NGSS aligned lesson plans.
Astrobotany Initiatives
There are a number of independent astrobotany initiatives worldwide that support astrobotany research. Click the button below to view our list of Astrobotany Initiatives around the globe.
Careers in Astrobotany
Are you looking for a career in the field of astrobotany or astrobiology? Now is a great time to get involved with a rapidly expanding discipline that has big implications for the future of space travel. Below are laboratories and research institutions that work in astrobotany-related fields.
For K-12 Students
- Apply for a Kennedy Space Center Crop Production Internship (High School Students)
- FFA and 4H in the US provide many opportunities to compete in plant-related and agriculture-related competitions. Consider attending a school with an FFA program, or joining your local 4H club.
- Robotics clubs (sometimes within 4H) also may give students experiences that would be valuable for the engineering aspects of astrobotany.
For College Students
Get started with undergraduate research:
Join relevant professional organizations:
- The American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) has a student chapter that will connect you with other people interested in advanced life support and astrobotany.
- The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) will connect you with controlled environment horticulture researchers and other horticultural scientists
Other:
- Apply for a Kennedy Space Center Crop Production Internship
- Apply to the Young Scientist Program at the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
- Check out our news page for updates
- Follow your favorite astrobotanists on Twitter
- Join the conversation at the astrobotany subreddit: r/astrobotany
- Join any space agriculture webinars you see advertised online! These may inform you about opportunities, or may help you get connected with people that have similar interests. You can find these webinars advertised on social media.
- If you become an ASGSR member, the ASGSR student slack group has an opportunities channel that is frequently updated. Keep up to date with this group and with other professional groups you've joined.