Field tripping Term 2
SEEDS IN SPACE OR ASTROBOTANY!
Astrobotany is a branch of science that investigates plants in space. It is one of the many subdisciplines of astrobiology. Astrobotany is concerned with the effects of the space environment (particularly microgravity) on the growth of plants. The ability to grow plants in space could aid in providing astronauts with necessary nutrients such as vitamins, as well as improving their psychological health.
Astrobotany not only investigates whether we could facilitate the growth of plants in space (such as on Mars and the Moon), but also the possibility that they may already be growing elsewhere in the universe.
Check out the history of Astrobotany here.
Future of Astrobotany (and Careers)The future of astrobotany aims to enable astronauts to grow their own plants in space, both as a source of fresh produce (vitamins and minerals) and as a mental health booster. The JAXA-led Seeds in Space programme is just one example of the astrobotany research going ahead to make vision this a reality.
Seeds in Space involves studying the growth of seeds (i.e. basil seeds) in the Kibō module of the International Space Station. Astrobotany also will see the continuation of other endeavors such as NASA’s Vegetable Production System (Veggie) on the ISS. Astrobotany research as a career would be greatly aided by a background in botany, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, geology, astrophysics and more.
Astrobotany not only investigates whether we could facilitate the growth of plants in space (such as on Mars and the Moon), but also the possibility that they may already be growing elsewhere in the universe.
Check out the history of Astrobotany here.
Future of Astrobotany (and Careers)The future of astrobotany aims to enable astronauts to grow their own plants in space, both as a source of fresh produce (vitamins and minerals) and as a mental health booster. The JAXA-led Seeds in Space programme is just one example of the astrobotany research going ahead to make vision this a reality.
Seeds in Space involves studying the growth of seeds (i.e. basil seeds) in the Kibō module of the International Space Station. Astrobotany also will see the continuation of other endeavors such as NASA’s Vegetable Production System (Veggie) on the ISS. Astrobotany research as a career would be greatly aided by a background in botany, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, geology, astrophysics and more.
Overview
#SEEDSINSPACENZI
In 2021, astronauts aboard the International Space Station are undertaking a plant-growth experiment with basil seeds.
The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has sent us some seeds from the exact same batch as those being flown into space, to give you a chance to perform your own experiments here on Earth. Grow your own ‘space seeds’ and compare the differences.
How do seeds grow in space? How does gravity affect seeds grown on Earth?
Follow along as the astronauts tend to the seeds on the ISS – and spot the differences and similarities with your own seeds’ growth.
The plant chamber for growing sweet basil on the ISS for the AHiS Mission!
#SEEDSINSPACENZI
In 2021, astronauts aboard the International Space Station are undertaking a plant-growth experiment with basil seeds.
The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has sent us some seeds from the exact same batch as those being flown into space, to give you a chance to perform your own experiments here on Earth. Grow your own ‘space seeds’ and compare the differences.
How do seeds grow in space? How does gravity affect seeds grown on Earth?
Follow along as the astronauts tend to the seeds on the ISS – and spot the differences and similarities with your own seeds’ growth.
The plant chamber for growing sweet basil on the ISS for the AHiS Mission!
What to do with the seeds you got?
The seeds you received are from the same lot as the seeds that went to the International Space Station. They are accompanied by a copy of the phytosanitary certificate from Japan.
So that everyone’s results are comparable across NZ, we suggest you grow the seeds as follows:
1. Use a mini green house
2. The seeds on the ISS are grown in rock wool \inside your mini green house..
3. Then water it, make sure is moist, and plant your seeds.
4. Make sure you take a photo when you start the project and then every day after, just like astronaut Soichi Noguchi does.
You can share your photos on Twitter, Instagram or on Facebook with the #seedsinspaceNZ and #SpaceBasil.
The seeds you received are from the same lot as the seeds that went to the International Space Station. They are accompanied by a copy of the phytosanitary certificate from Japan.
So that everyone’s results are comparable across NZ, we suggest you grow the seeds as follows:
1. Use a mini green house
2. The seeds on the ISS are grown in rock wool \inside your mini green house..
3. Then water it, make sure is moist, and plant your seeds.
4. Make sure you take a photo when you start the project and then every day after, just like astronaut Soichi Noguchi does.
You can share your photos on Twitter, Instagram or on Facebook with the #seedsinspaceNZ and #SpaceBasil.
What happens next:
- You grow the seeds for 30 days - you decide when to start the experiment - keep in mind you must take daily measurements of the seeds and seedlings.
- In July, the space seedlings that are now frozen on the ISS, will be sent back to Earth and analysed by Japanese researchers. They will publish the results. We do not have the exact dates yet but will let you know when we find out.
- Submit your results by the 20th of September. We will collate these and send them back to JAXA, part of our outreach reporting.
What else?
TERM 1: DESIGNING Animate materials
What are animate materials?Animate materials can be defined as those that are sensitive to their environment and able to adapt to it in a number of ways to better fulfil their function. The report suggests three characteristics of future animate materials:
Animate materials are: biologically-inspired human-made materials, able to grow and adapt to their environment, could extend the lifespan of electronic devices, medical implants and infrastructure, and unlock an array of environmental benefits. WOW!!!
Animate materials could signal a future in which roads can self-heal, tiny robotic molecules can assemble themselves into household objects and living buildings can harvest carbon dioxide to generate power and purified water. DOUBLE WOW!!
Explore the progression of animate materials, from familiar materials to future possibilities, in our interactive timeline.
LETS WATCH THIS VIDEO TO GET SOME MORE IDEAS:
- Active in that they can change their properties or perform actions, often by taking energy, material or nutrients from the environment
- Adaptive in sensing changes in their environment and responding
- Autonomous in being able to initiate a response without being controlled
Animate materials are: biologically-inspired human-made materials, able to grow and adapt to their environment, could extend the lifespan of electronic devices, medical implants and infrastructure, and unlock an array of environmental benefits. WOW!!!
Animate materials could signal a future in which roads can self-heal, tiny robotic molecules can assemble themselves into household objects and living buildings can harvest carbon dioxide to generate power and purified water. DOUBLE WOW!!
Explore the progression of animate materials, from familiar materials to future possibilities, in our interactive timeline.
LETS WATCH THIS VIDEO TO GET SOME MORE IDEAS:
TERM 2: The ART of science
THE ART OF SCIENCE
We will be exploring how the fields of science and art overlap and influence each other, while also examining what makes them so different. Scientists and Artists aren't necessarily the everyday pair, but they have more in common than you might think!
In this colourful virtual museum you will find collections of art works made by artists who have stepped into the scientific world and have found inspiration.
Computers, machines, brains, botany, hospitals, portraits of doctors, addiction, molecules, atoms, magnetic resonance imaging, geometry and mathematics, natural history, physics and chemistry. Psychiatry and neuroscience, sea life , fractals, acids and crystal structures all have a place in this virtual museum of art.
We will be exploring how the fields of science and art overlap and influence each other, while also examining what makes them so different. Scientists and Artists aren't necessarily the everyday pair, but they have more in common than you might think!
In this colourful virtual museum you will find collections of art works made by artists who have stepped into the scientific world and have found inspiration.
Computers, machines, brains, botany, hospitals, portraits of doctors, addiction, molecules, atoms, magnetic resonance imaging, geometry and mathematics, natural history, physics and chemistry. Psychiatry and neuroscience, sea life , fractals, acids and crystal structures all have a place in this virtual museum of art.
The fusion of science and art opens doors to possibilities beyond our imagination. Experimental performance and talk by Yoko Shimizu, contemporary artist and biochemistry researcher
Click on the buttons below to take you to Inspirational places:
LEonardo the artist & the scientist
Magical microscopes
Glow in the dark bacteria beauty
Sun art
TERM TWO: Hollywood Science
Big, silly popcorn flicks are about explosions, muscled men in tights fighting CGI creatures, and witty one liners from action heroes, not about scientific integrity. Yet, there I was in the theater hearing a character in the comic book film Thor bandy about phrases like “Einstein-Rosen bridge” and “wormhole.” This astrophysicist character, played by Natalie Portman, was explaining how Thor’s scientifically advanced alien race could instantaneously travel across interstellar distances. Is this explanation scientifically accurate? Do such phenomena as Einstein-Rosen bridges and wormholes actually exist? Given that I was watching a film about a superhero based on a Norse god with a magical hammer, does it matter?
Many scientific organizations are concerned about the depiction of science in cinema and on television. Some of these organizations have recently developed initiatives to increase the use of science consultants by filmmakers including the National Academy of Sciences’ Science and Entertainment Exchange
Many scientific organizations are concerned about the depiction of science in cinema and on television. Some of these organizations have recently developed initiatives to increase the use of science consultants by filmmakers including the National Academy of Sciences’ Science and Entertainment Exchange
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS
X-Men: First Class The fifth in this popular series of comic-book spin-offs is a prequel: In the early 1960s, super-psychic Charles Xavier secretly establishes a school for genetic mutants with extraordinary powers. As the young mutants learn to harness their abilities, they form alliances that will divide the group into the well-meaning X-Men and their nefarious rivals, the Brotherhood of Mutants.
Science Fiction To shuttle the mutants around the country, Xavier commissions the creation of the X-Jet, a stealth aircraft that has the coast-to-coast range of an SR-71 Blackbird and the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the V-22 Osprey. It can also reach a top speed of 3,234 mph.
Science Fact A plane with some combination of these qualities is technically possible, but it would be practically useless,a says Richard Whittle, author of The Dream Machine, a history of the V-22 Osprey. To take off vertically, the X-Jet would need to generate a pound of thrust for every pound of aircraft, he says. This would burn so much fuel that the plane's range would be limited to a few counties, not a full country. Instead, the X-Jet would most likely resemble the V-22, which has a 1,000-mile range and a top speed of about 300 mph, and took 25 years and $22 billion to design and build. How do the X-Men overcome such incredible constraints? a With Beast's technical wisdom and Magneto's ability to move metal around, you can accomplish a lot in a short time,a says the movie's producer, Bryan Singer.
X-Men: First Class The fifth in this popular series of comic-book spin-offs is a prequel: In the early 1960s, super-psychic Charles Xavier secretly establishes a school for genetic mutants with extraordinary powers. As the young mutants learn to harness their abilities, they form alliances that will divide the group into the well-meaning X-Men and their nefarious rivals, the Brotherhood of Mutants.
Science Fiction To shuttle the mutants around the country, Xavier commissions the creation of the X-Jet, a stealth aircraft that has the coast-to-coast range of an SR-71 Blackbird and the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of the V-22 Osprey. It can also reach a top speed of 3,234 mph.
Science Fact A plane with some combination of these qualities is technically possible, but it would be practically useless,a says Richard Whittle, author of The Dream Machine, a history of the V-22 Osprey. To take off vertically, the X-Jet would need to generate a pound of thrust for every pound of aircraft, he says. This would burn so much fuel that the plane's range would be limited to a few counties, not a full country. Instead, the X-Jet would most likely resemble the V-22, which has a 1,000-mile range and a top speed of about 300 mph, and took 25 years and $22 billion to design and build. How do the X-Men overcome such incredible constraints? a With Beast's technical wisdom and Magneto's ability to move metal around, you can accomplish a lot in a short time,a says the movie's producer, Bryan Singer.
GREEN LANTERN
Story: After chasing down a fallen spacecraft on the California coast, pilot Hal Jordan discovers a ring that grants him extraordinary powers. In accepting it, Jordan becomes the first human to serve as a Green Lantern, a guardian that protects the universe from evil--in this case, the mad scientist Dr. Hector Hammond.
Science Fiction: The ring takes its orders from Jordan's mind, enabling him to fly, knock multiple bad guys off their feet, and even create wormholes through which he can travel thousands of light-years within minutes.
Science Fact: People can indeed control machines with brain signals. Johns Hopkins University scientists are conducting clinical trials for the Modular Prosthetic Limb, a robotic arm operated by the user's thoughts. But the ring's ability to generate shortcuts across the universe raises more questions. Wormholes are possible in principle, says physicist Eric Davis of the Institute of Advanced Studies, a think tank in Austin, Texas, but creating them takes a tremendous amount of negative energy. It would take the mass equivalent of 71 percent of Jupiter to create a wormhole suitable for travel. Producer Donald De Line explains that a Green Lantern's ring derives its energy from a battery on the alien planet Oa. The battery stores the collected willpower from around the universe, he says. Note to NASA: Find Oa, solve energy crisis.
Story: After chasing down a fallen spacecraft on the California coast, pilot Hal Jordan discovers a ring that grants him extraordinary powers. In accepting it, Jordan becomes the first human to serve as a Green Lantern, a guardian that protects the universe from evil--in this case, the mad scientist Dr. Hector Hammond.
Science Fiction: The ring takes its orders from Jordan's mind, enabling him to fly, knock multiple bad guys off their feet, and even create wormholes through which he can travel thousands of light-years within minutes.
Science Fact: People can indeed control machines with brain signals. Johns Hopkins University scientists are conducting clinical trials for the Modular Prosthetic Limb, a robotic arm operated by the user's thoughts. But the ring's ability to generate shortcuts across the universe raises more questions. Wormholes are possible in principle, says physicist Eric Davis of the Institute of Advanced Studies, a think tank in Austin, Texas, but creating them takes a tremendous amount of negative energy. It would take the mass equivalent of 71 percent of Jupiter to create a wormhole suitable for travel. Producer Donald De Line explains that a Green Lantern's ring derives its energy from a battery on the alien planet Oa. The battery stores the collected willpower from around the universe, he says. Note to NASA: Find Oa, solve energy crisis.