Space Farm: The Adventure of Discovery

How can astronauts grow food in space so they could live there for extended periods? What do you do about the problem of the lack of gravity and its effects on plant soil? These are the questions that are being answered by the experiments conducted at Tuskegee University. Cutting-edge research is not new to Tuskegee; in fact its existence is due to the daring experiment in African-American education after the Civil War. Tuskegee, along with other historically Black colleges, showed the world that African-Americans could be educated the same as white Americans, a radical notion in 1881. Calling on the legacy of one of the college’s most renowned scientists, space farming employs the methods and experiments of George Washington Carver. Space Farm: The Adventures of Discovery would be useful for classes on African-American History, American History, Biology, and Science and Technology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• ambition
• carbon dioxide
• cardiovascular
• cholesterol
• disciplines
• duration
• foliage
• manifest
• nutritious
• predecessor
• unique
• viable

1. Tuskegee University’s history is rooted in the aftermath of slavery and the Civil War. The University has played a significant role in American history. What are some of the contributions of Tuskegee?

2. George Washington Carver’s studies on the sweet potato were some of the most extensive agricultural experiments ever done. Why are scientists today again studying the sweet potato?

3. Discuss the contribution of George Washington Carver to American history and science.

4. George Washington Carver started his life as a slave. How did this extraordinary man overcome the obstacles faced by African-Americans? How did he “beat the odds?”

5. Discuss some of the problems and complications of farming beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

6. What is hydroponics? How will hydroponics help enable food production in space?

7. What is the CELLS program? How is it helping maintain the health of Americans?

8. Discuss how George Washington Carver recycled and used almost everything. How can you recycle the items you use in your everyday life?

1. Research the history of Tuskegee University and create a timeline of that history.

2. Research and write a biography of George Washington Carver.