ICS and National FFA launch Plant the Moon Challenge

The Institute for Competition Sciences and the National FFA Organization have announced an agreement to provide a competitive event for agricultural education students that emphasize skills in plant, soil, and aerospace science, as well as experimental design, data analysis, and teamwork.

The Plant the Moon Challenge is a global citizen science experiment that invites students of all ages to explore the possibilities of growing vegetable crops in lunar or Martian soil simulants. It brings STEM and agriculture together in a hands-on, challenge-based, real-world learning project that is closely tied to NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish sustainable lunar exploration while also supporting farming innovation efforts on Earth.

Each student team receives a lunar or Martian soil simulant package, including essential tools like pH meters and planting pots. Over an eight-week growing period, teams design and conduct their own experiments to test plant growth in these challenging conditions.

From experimenting with soil amendments to testing various light sources, students build hands-on research projects that simulate real-life space farming. Newcomers are guided step-by-step through the process: registering their teams, exploring a resource library full of tips and tutorials, and designing experiments with support from past participant examples and program-provided guides.

The challenge kicks off with an Opening Symposium where experts from the Science Advisory Board and guest speakers inspire and inform students as they begin their scientific journey. Their findings are evaluated by a panel of scientists, who select the most innovative projects for awards.

By testing theories and sharing results, students contribute valuable insights to the global conversation on space agriculture — an essential puzzle piece for future lunar and Mars missions. The Plant the Moon Challenge not only fuels young minds with STEM-based learning but gives them the opportunity to be part of real-world research with cosmic implications.

Those interested in the challenge are encouraged to register for the free informational webinar from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26. 

During the event, participants will be able to walk through the details of what PTMC participation looks like and receive live answers to their questions.

The Challenge runs two seasons per year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

The Plant the Moon Challenge is endorsed by the National FFA Organization and is open to FFA members.