You Worked Together
with an Astronautin aSpace ExperimentSpace Seeds for Asian Future 2013

Kibo-ABCan initiative to promote Asian beneficial collaboration through Kibo
utilization under Asia-Pacific Space Agency ForumContents
Introduction……………………………………………………………….…..…………

Determination of Experimental Conditions……………………………...…………

1
2

SSAF2013 Space Expriment
Report No. 1: Ground Preparation ……………………………………………………. 7
Report No. 2: Launch and Onboard Operation Procedure
Report No. 3: Watering to Begin Cultivation
Report No. 4: Growth Check………….…………... 10……………………….…………….. 14.…………………………………………….………….. 14

Report No. 5: Final Observations……………………………………….….……….. 15

Ground Experiments in the Asia-Pacific Region
Australia………………………………………………………………….………….…. 17

Indonesia……………………………………………………………….………………. 18

Japan…………………………………………………………………….……………… 20

Malaysia………………………………………………….…………………………….. 22

New Zealand ……………………………………………………………………………... 26
Thailand………………………………………………………………………………... 27

Vietnam…………………………………………………………………………………. 29

Introduction
Can plants grow in space similarly to plants on Earth?
Growing food in space helps solve various issues associated with space travel.
Moreover, growing plants in space may give us many hints for improving farm
production on Earth. Space farming is a theme not only for a handful of researchers,
but also for anyone who is interested in the biological and agricultural sciences.
Today, you can collaborate with astronauts working in space to observe how plants
grow in conditions that are different from conditions on the earth’s surface.
The Program
Space agencies and educational institutions in the Asia-Pacific region jointly
started an initiative, The Asian Beneficial Collaboration through Kibo Utilization
1

(Kibo-ABC), to realize benefits in the region from contributions of the JapaneseExperiment Module (Kibo) aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The Space Seeds for Asian Future (SSAF) program is one of the activities of
Kibo-ABC. The program promotes understanding and gives regional space agencies
experience in the utilization of Kibo. It also provides young people in the
Asia-Pacific region with opportunities to learn about leading scientific discoveries
through their participation in experiments under peculiar space conditions
including microgravity. Students from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam
participated in the SSAF2010–2011 program. As part of this program, seeds fromeach of these nations were flown to the ISS and kept in the Kibo module. These
seeds were then returned to Earth, where they germinated; then, they werecompared to control seeds not flown in space. This experiment involved researchers,
students, and the general public.
In the SSAF2013 program, there are plans to cultivate seeds indigenous to Asia in
the Kibo/ISS facilities. The plan is to send Azuki beans (Vigna angularis) to Kibo
and observe the growth of their seedlings under dark conditions. Members of the
Kibo-ABC initiative are collaborating in the preparation of seed germination testingprocedures, and many people—children, students, and researchers—are expected toparticipate in the program.
Through the program, a batch of Azuki beans will be grown for seven days onboard
the Japanese module of the ISS, also known as Kibo. Astronauts will film thesprouting of Azuki beans in space and transmit the images back to Earth. This
experiment will provide important information regarding the differences between
plants grown in space and the same plant species grown on earth.

Determination of Experimental Conditions
Determination of growth conditions and development of methodology for measuringphysical strength of Azuki bean stems for the SSAF2013 program
Biology Club (Osaka City University), Sachiko Yano (JAXA), Kouichi Soga
(Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University)2Introduction
Plants utilize gravity, which is present in a constant direction andmagnitude on Earth, as the most reliable environmental signal for growth andmorphology. Thus, growth and morphology of plants grown under microgravity
conditions in space will be different from those grown at 1 G condition on Earth. In
the SSAF2013 program, participants of the program observed changes in growthand morphology of Azuki bean seedlings grown in space. Additionally, the physicalstrength of epicotyls (stems) was measured. In the present study, our aims were to
determine desirable growth conditions for the Azuki bean and to develop suitable
methods for measuring the physical strength of their stems for the SSAF2013 spaceexperiment.
Surface sterilization of seeds
In the SSAF2013 space experiment, dry seeds of Azuki beans weretransported to the International Space Station (ISS); then, the seeds were wateredfor germination. Generally, mold growth occurred around the cotyledons of the
Azuki beans when non-sterilized seeds were used for experimental purposes. Thus,
we selected suitable methods for surface sterilization of seeds. Sterilization with asodium hypochlorite solution and ethanol was the most effective method forpreventing mold growth (Fig. 1). The germination rate of sterilized seeds wasalmost the same as that of non-sterilized seeds.
Reduction of seedling size variations
In typical experiments on the ground, seeds of Azuki beans are soaked andallowed to germinate in running tap water. Additionally, seedlings are selected foruniformity in length and diameter of stems for growth experiments. However, in the
SSAF2013 experiment, dry seeds of Azuki beans were transported to the ISS; then,they were watered directly and used for growth experiments. Therefore, we selected
seeds with fewer variations in seedling size. Most frequently, seeds weighed 110–120 mg, according to our examination of the distribution of dry weight (Fig. 2). Thus,
we selected seeds in this range for the present experiment. Further, we removed
seeds with inferior color or abnormal shapes. Fewer variations in seedling size werenoted for selected seeds than for unselected seeds (Fig. 3).
In germination of the Azuki bean, initial water absorption is conducted
through the strophiole. Efficiency of water absorption may be enhanced by cutting
off the strophiole. Further, we examined variations in the seedling size by using3

such cutting seeds (Fig. 4). The results showed that variations in the seedling sizesof cutting seeds were smaller than that of intact seeds (Fig. 3). Additionally, thegermination rate of cut seeds that were stored for two months at room temperature
was almost the same as that of cut seeds that were allowed to germinate
immediately.
Physical strength of stems
Developing resistance to gravitational force is a critical response forterrestrial plants if they are to survive under 1 G conditions. We refer to thisreaction as “gravity resistance,” and we have analyzed its nature and mechanisms
using hypergravity conditions produced by centrifugation (Hoson and Soga 2003;
Soga 2010, 2013). Our results indicate that the cell wall rigidity in plants increases
to resist gravitational force. To measure the cell wall rigidity of Azuki bean stems in
the ISS, we searched for an available instrument, and we identified a springbalance as a candidate. Then, we compared the breaking load of stems grown under
hypergravity conditions with that of controls. The stem was hooked to the springbalance and pulled until it broke. Cultivation at 300 g clearly increased thebreaking load of stems (Fig. 5), which was similar to the result obtained with atensile tester. These results indicate that the spring balance was useful formeasurement of cell wall rigidity in the SSAF2013 space experiment. We also
verified that the measurement could be conducted smoothly under microgravity
conditions by parabolic flight.
Conclusions
In the present experiment, we identified suitable growth conditions for the
Azuki bean in SSAF2013. The Azuki beans were selected based on dry weight, color,and shape. Then, seed surfaces were sterilized with a sodium hypochlorite solution
and ethanol. Finally, strophioles of seeds were cut off to enhance water absorption.
Results indicated that the spring balance is useful for measuring cell wall rigidity.
Utilizing the growth conditions and method for measuring physical strength ofstems identified from investigations in the present study, the SSAF2013 spaceexperiment was carried out successfully from September 6 through August 30,
2013.
References
Hoson T, Soga K (2003) New aspects of gravity responses in plant cells. Int Rev
4

Cytol 229: 209-244.
Soga K (2010) Gravity resistance in plants. Biol Sci Space 24: 129-134.
Soga K (2013) Resistance of plants to gravitational force. J Plant Res 126: 589-596.
Figures
1) Put ca. 25 seeds (ca. 3 g) into a 50 ml conical centrifuge tube.
2) Add 30 ml of sodium hypochlorite solution (dilute original solution to 4
times; Wako, 194-02216, Japanese Food Additives); then, close the cap of
the tube.
3) Vortex the seeds at high speed for 1 min.
4) Decant the sodium hypochlorite solution.
5) Repeat steps 2–4 twice.
6) Add 30 ml of ethanol (99.5%); then, close the cap of the tube.
7) Vortex the seeds at high speed for 1 min.
8) Decant ethanol.
9) Repeat steps 6–8.
10) Remove the seeds and blot ethanol with paper.
11) Dry the seeds on a clean bench.

Fig. 1 Method for surface sterilization of Azuki beans

Fig. 2 Distribution of the dry weight of Azuki beans

5Unselected

Selected by dry weight

Selected and their strophiole cut off

Fig. 3 Azuki bean seedlings

Intact Seed

Strophiole - cut seed

Fig. 4 Azuki beans

Fig. 5 Effects of hypergravity on breaking load of stems

6

SSAF2013 Space Experiment
Report No. 1: Ground Preparation
To conduct an experiment in the ISS, necessary experimental equipment should be
prepared carefully before launching. For SSAF2013, we prepared containers inwhich Azuki beans can grow.
This article explains how the containers for the SSAF2013 flight experiment wereprepared; it will be a reference when you carry out your ground experiments, but
you do not have to follow the specific method described herein.
Preparation Procedure
On July 5, 2013, preparations for SSAF2013 were undertaken at JAXA's TsukubaSpace Center with the support of Osaka City University.
Materials
Azuki beans Vigna angularis

Plastic containers with clear lids (External: 21 cm × 15 cm × 5 cm, Internal: 18‘Erimoshozu’ (18 beans per box)

cm × 12 cm × 4 cm)
Rock woolCutterMethod
1. Fit watering and ventilation ports to each plastic container.
2. Disinfect Azuki seeds with sodium hypochlorite and ethanol.
3. Cut off strophioles to enhance water absorption and germination, taking care
not to damage the embryos.

Bean with strophiole

Bean with strophiole cut off

Examples of inferior cuts:7

Too extensive

Insufficient

4. Cut rock wool to fit in the container and crate small incisions to embed Azuki
beans.

Three Azuki beans are embedded in a piece ofrock wool (top photo); six pieces of rock wool
are placed in a container (bottom photo)

5. Embed Azuki beans into the slits as shown above.
6. Place six pieces of rock wool with Azuki beans into a container with a clear lid.
During the actual procedure, five containers were prepared.

8

The five containers, along with other experimental materials, were put into Ziploc
bags as flight kits. Each kit consisted of a container, two watering syringes, and alightproof bag with a grid of 1 cm on one of its sides.

One kit was selected for flight; the others were designated for ground controls or as
backup.
On July 8, 2013, the integrated flight kits were enveloped with bubble wrap and put
into clear bags. The bags were labeled to indicate the direction of gravity (i.e.,
G-direction); then, they were placed in a Cargo Transfer Bag (CTB).

*The label indicating the direction of gravity has been placed on the bag (above) toensure that the same direction is maintained during a vibration test.

9

The CTB was transferred to JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center for placement in
HTV4 to be launched by an H-IIB launch vehicle. On July 15, 2013, the CTB was
opened, and it was confirmed that the onboard flight kit was in good condition.
An experimental method utilized in orbit is provided in the next article.
All times represent Japan Standard Time (JST)

Report No. 2: Launch and Onboard Operation Procedure
The fourth H-II Transfer Vehicle, or HTV4 (also known as KOUNOTORI4), waslaunched successfully aboard an H-IIB launch vehicle from JAXA’s Tanegashima
Space Center at 4:48 am on August 4, 2013. KOUNOTORI4, which delivers supplies
to the International Space Station (ISS), docked on August 10. (All times appear inJapan Standard Time, UTC + 9 hrs.)
Our SSAF2013 experiment materials, of course, are among the payloads of
KOUNOTORI4. The operation is expected to start in early September 2013,
following the planned operational procedure given below. These space operation
procedures do not have to be followed on the ground because of the unavailability ofcertain materials. You can modify the procedure by using accessible materials.
First day: Watering
Take out the SSAF plant cassette. Connect water syringes to watering ports andslowly inject to wet rock wool. Put the seeds into a lightproof bag and store at room
temperature.

10

Fifth day: Growth checki.

Retrieve the plant cassette from the lightproof bag.

ii.

Observe the growth of Azuki beans. (Record with video camera.)iii.

Insert the plant cassette back into the lightproof bag.

Seventh day: Final observations
On the final day of this experiment, conduct detailed observations to determine how
Azuki beans grow in space under the condition of microgravity. After observing theplant cassette in all directions, take some Azuki sprouts and drag, swing, and bend
them.

11

① Dragging

i.

Pick one sprout from the plant cassette.

ii.

Hold both ends of the sprout using both hands, and hook it to the springbalance.

iii.

Slowly pull on both ends of the sprout until it breaks.

12

② Swingingi.

Holding the bottom end of sprout (bean), swing the sprout several times.

ii.

Holding the top end of sprout, swing the sprout several times.

③ Bendingi.

Holding the bottom end of sprout (bean), swing the sprout several times.

13

Report No. 3: Watering to Begin Cultivation
Astronaut Karen Nyberg initiated the SSAF2013 experiment by watering the seeds
on board Kibo. At 10:15 pm on August 30, 2013 (Japan time), she completed allprocedures and placed the seeds in storage.
Although the seed container used in space may appear to be tightly sealed toprevent water leakage, measures are taken so that gases will permeate. On the
ground, there is no need to use a watertight container.
There are two temperature probes in Kibo. The readings before starting theprocedure were 22.2°C and 23.1°C.
http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/kuoa/news/ssaf2013_report3.html
Four hours prior to the operation on board Kibo, a set of seeds on the ground were
given water at Tsukuba Space Center using hardware identical to hardware used inspace. Then, the seeds were cultivated at 22.5°C.

Report No. 4: Growth Check
On September 3, 2013 at 6:53 pm (Japan Standard Time), Astronaut Karen Nyberg
let us glance at the growth of Azuki beans in Kibo. The observation was completedvery quickly to minimize the effect of light on the seedlings.

http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/kuoa/news/ssaf2013_report4.html
14

Ground staff at the Tsukuba Space Center also took a brief look at the seedlings
under the condition of normal gravity.

Please compare the photographs with the seedlings at your home or in yourclassroom. Carefully observe if there is any variation, and be prepared to describe
differences in appearance.

Report No. 5: Final Observations
On September 6, 2013 at 1:21 am, final observations began. To identify thedifferences between seedlings grown in space and seedlings grown on the ground,astronaut Karen Nyberg recorded still and video images from various angles. To
estimate their physical strength, Nyberg removed some seedlings from thecontainer and tested them by dragging, swinging, and bending.

http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/kuoa/news/ssaf2013_report5.html

15

At the Tsukuba Space Center, students from Osaka City University performed
similar procedures.

The observation in space is only a part of the SSAF2013 program. Observations
made by students on the ground are essential for a fully successful experiment.
Please compare your results with those from space. If you find any differences,
determine why they might have occurred and form your hypothesis. Then, makeplans for further experimentation to verify your hypothesis. Please describe yourideas for next steps in space experiments if you deem them necessary.

16

Ground Experiments in the Asia-Pacific Region
Australia
Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories
The Australian National University(ANU)

Australia greatly appreciates opportunity to participate in the 2013 Space Seeds for
Asian Future (SSAF). Even though Australian students are inspired by space, andoften dream of being an astronaut, they assume that they will need to leave
Australia if they want to work in the space industry.
Australia is not a member of the International Space Station (ISS) so there is no
direct opportunity to expose students to space research using this platform.
Through the Kibo-ABC, Australian students are not only able to participate inspace research; they are also encouraged to collaborate with schools in the
Asia-Pacific region.
The SSAF announcement was circulated through a national network of teacherswith an interest in space science and experience in using the context of space toteach mathematics and science. The information was also broadly circulated
through the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) and the Education
and Training Directorate in the Australian Capital Territory to capture broader
interest.
Growing seeds is a common activity for Australian students, so no special training
was required. The ability to compare the shoots grown in the classroom with shootsgrown on the ISS enriched the activity and provided an opportunity to discuss
physics concepts such as gravity.
To enhance the experience, JAXA offered each of the participating countries someAzuki beans from the batch being sent to the ISS. This was a wonderful opportunity
for students to make a direct comparison between the beans on the ground and thebeans in space.

Australian Customs was consulted and it quickly became apparent

that it would be impractical to import the beans. This sad news was communicatedto JAXA and we were amused to discover that they imported the beans from
Australia.
Lessons learned: It is unknown how many students participated in this activity. The
information was broadly distributed and there was no requirement to register. This
made it impossible to measure the level of participation.
17

Future activity: The video taken aboard the ISS has been loaded on the JAXA
website. This makes it possible for schools to conduct this activity at any time.
Australia will continue to promote this activity as an effective way to introduce
students to conducting science research in the space environment.
We would like to thank JAXA for supporting this excellent education activity and
Bean Growers Australia for providing the Azuki beans.

Indonesia
National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN)
Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)
Purpose of participation
We have been using Azuki beans for scientific purposes. The scientific experiments
by using clinostat and other treatments are being conducted by ITB graduate
students.
Educational impact and spreading effectBy conducting the experiment on the ground and then comparing results with the“in space” experiment, students have learned why and how gravitation plays a rolein their lives. Consequently, students were triggered to study space in a further
in-depth manner. We also delivered beans to high school students at the Space
Science Festival, so that they could plant them following the event and compare
their findings with Kibo experimental results. Their scientific investigation is
expected to broaden their knowledge about space.
Agency valuations and next steps
The scientific experiment is being conducted by the ITB team, and more time isneeded to conclude the research. Further, we delivered Azuki beans to students
from nine schools that agreed to participate when approached at the Space Science
Festival, last October. Therefore, we are waiting for the results from these schools.
The ITB team has been supervising students in their related activities.
Results
Quantitative results: Participating schools and students
Nine high school students participated.
18

Scientific results
Findings will be published by the ITB team.

PhotosAzuki beans from Japan (left) and the clinostat (right)

Activities in the ITB laboratory

Presentation about the effect of microgravity on plants (left)
Distributing Azuki beans to the schools (right)

19

JapanJapan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducted a local program topromote science education for young people as well as an understanding of spaceenvironment utilization. JAXA has developed an Azuki growth observation kit
consisting of Azuki beans and an instruction booklet; thus far, the agency has
distributed about 3,500 kits to children and teachers at venues such as open house
events, seminars for science teachers, and so on. .
Nagaya Primary School, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Science teacher Dr. Tomoe Saruwatari instructed fifth grade pupils to observe thegermination and growth of Azuki beans under various conditions in addition to
gravity. The class of 31 pupils learned about Japan’s space development activity
and the general nature of space, in addition to plant biology.
Children seemed excited to find that the things they learn in their daily classroom
may apply to outer space. They made their own hypothesis considering theconditions aboard the space station. Some children employed critical thinking skills
to ask questions such as “How will it be in space...?” for other subjects of thisprogram, such as medaka fish or humans.

Saibi High School, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Students of the Biology Club (below) observed the Azuki growth as an
extracurricular activity under the guidance of Ms. Tomomi Oka-Kobayashi. They
presented information about the program and instructions for growing Azuki beans

20

at their annual school festival; additionally, they invited junior high school students
to join the club.

21

Malaysia
National Space Agency of Malaysia (ANGKASA)
Purpose of participation (objective) Fostering a culture of science and technology among students and the community
through increasing knowledge of the agricultural and microgravity sciences Supporting the teaching and learning of space science in schools Comparing and analyzing the hypothesis about growth of seeds (i.e.,
microgravity-exposed seeds compared to Earth-grown seeds)

In conjunction with Space Seeds for Asian Future 2013 (SSAF2013), a special
program was conducted by ANGKASA as follows:
TITLE: Malaysia Space Seeds 2013 (MASS2013)
INTRODUCTION
MASS2013 was a local program held in conjunction with the international program“Space Seeds for Asian Future 2013 (SSAF2013).” MASS2013 was organized by the
National Space Agency of Malaysia (ANGKASA) in cooperation with the Ministry of
Education (MOE), Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute(MARDI), and the National Seeds Association of Malaysia (NSAM). This
international cooperative effort was promoted by the Asian Beneficial Collaboration
through “Kibo” Utilization (Kibo-ABC) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA).
NATURE OF COMPETITIONMASS2013 was a competitive program open to students of primary and secondary
schools throughout Malaysia; the competition was conducted online(http://mass2013.angkasa.gov.my).
Students studied the response properties for different growth orientations of redbeans or Azuki seeds (Vigna angularis) sent to the International Space Station (ISS).
Growth of seeds in the condition of microgravity was compared to growth of seeds onthe ground (normal gravity); seeds germinated in the dark for seven days.
22Comparisons were made by viewing the video sent from the ISS after the seventh
day of germination; the astronaut conducted demonstrations and physicalobservations of the space seeds.
Students were required to conduct a research project to evaluate germination
behavior of Azuki beans and upload daily ground germination data for comparison
with space germination data obtained from the ISS on the seventh day of theexperiment. Further, students were required to provide a full report of theexperiment on the seventh day and conduct additional experiments related to the
Azuki beans.
ANGKASA has conducted a survey to measure the effectiveness of the program. All
students were asked to respond to an entry survey (during registration) and an exit
survey (after submission of the full report).
ELIGIBILITY
Each school was allowed to send only one team comprised of five students
supervised by a teacher.
COMPETITION ENTRY
All entries to the competition had to be submitted by the schools and received by theOrganizer online no later than the deadline fixed by ANGKASA. Submission wasmade through the MASS2013 web site at URL http://mass2013.angkasa.gov.my
Educational impact and spreading effectIntegration of ICT applications in space science teaching and learning throughISS data access and uploaded online reporting were noted.

Students participated in international programs and microgravity science
experiments.



Cooperation among participating students, teachers, and communities wasstrengthened.



Teachers and students in space science indicated their continued support.



Besides the educational activity module, a local educational web site wasdeveloped for use by students in data mining and reporting; it indirectly
exposed students to Information Technology (IT) applications.

23

Agency valuations, outcomes, and next steps


SSAF2013 and MASS2013 increased local expertise (capital development) andstudents’ knowledge of microgravity sciences, particularly in the field of space
agriculture.

The program is expected to contribute to the scientific mission of the 2nd
National Astronaut Program (NAP-2) through the highly valued scientificmerits of the microgravity program.

Participation in APRSAF and the Kibo-ABC program earned nationalrecognition.



The national educational level was upgraded based on schools’ involvement ininternational and space science activities.

Continuation of the ground-based microgravity program using clinostat has
been recommended for future scientific investigations.

Mediareports (newspaper, TV, web, and others)

Obstructions/Challenges
Malaysia has sought to import the same Azuki seeds from JAXA (i.e., same locale
and variety) as seeds sent to the ISS.


Seed imports into Malaysia have remained status quo because of Japan’s strict
phytosanitary requirements.

Azuki seeds for domestic usage were used to overcome obstacles.
24Results
Quantitative results: Participating schools and students

395 students (young researchers) were involved directly through 25 primaryschools and 54 secondary schools; about 39,500 pupils were involved indirectly(79 schools multiplied by 500 students per school).



79 teachers were directly involved directly in conducting and supervising thescience experiment.

MASS2013 Competition Winners


Category 1: Primary School
1st Place: SJK (C) Pulai, Johor Bahru, Johor
2nd Place: SK (P) Methodist, Ipoh, Perak
3rd Place: SK Manjoi Dua, Ipoh, PerakCategory 2: Secondary School
1st Place: SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur
2nd Place: SMK (P) Sultan Ibrahim, Johor Bahru, Johor
3rd Place: MRSM Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan

Photos25

New Zealand
KiwiSpace Foundation
Space Seeds 2013 overview
In late August or early September, astronauts aboard the International Space
Station (ISS) will be undertaking a growth experiment by using Azuki beans. The
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) sent us seeds from the same batch as
those being flown into space, to encourage the performance of experiments 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 seeds on the ISS and spot the differences andsimilarities with the growth of your seeds.
Results
Quantitative results: Participating schools and students
The project Seed in Space was very successful in New Zealand.
45 school groups participated in total.
Out of those we are expecting reports from around five to ten schools.
Wellington East Girls’ College in Wellington, New ZealandPalmerston North Intermediate Normal School in Palmerston North, New
ZealandThe Seed in Space project was excellent for integrating with the New Zealandcurriculum and we are looking forward to more projects from JAXA.
They are very useful as they assist the New Zealand space education efforts
produce school resources that have New Zealand participation and flavor.
Photos

Day 1

Day 3

Day 2
26

Day 4

to

Thailand
National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
Purpose of participation
NSTDA promoted the specific program to increase understanding of space biology.
Thai students were offered the opportunity to join the activities during the same
period that Kibo astronauts were conducting investigations. Students wereencouraged to download the linked video in which an astronaut on the Kibo moduleof the ISS was explaining the in-space experimental process. It was an excellent
opportunity for students to experience and learn about differences in experiments
conducted on the ground and in space.
Educational impact and spreading effect
The aim of this experiment was to discover the relationship between gravity andplant growth. The experiment involved comparing two batches of Azuki beans indifferent gravitational conditions—microgravity in the ISS and normal gravity on
Earth. Of course, the condition for student experimentation was Earth’s gravity.
Participating students studied other factors that evolve during plant germinationand development, including light and cuttings on sprouts. Furthermore, theexperiments provided students with new ideas and knowledge for conducting
scientific research and inquiry.
Agency valuations and next steps
SSAF2013 has been accomplished successfully; many schools throughout thecountry participated, and students performed well. NSTDA hopes to have theopportunity to run the SSAF2014 project.
Mediareports (newspaper, TV, web, and others)
Newspaper : National paper (Post today http://www.posttoday.com)

27

Results
Quantitative results: Participating schools and students
Secondary schools: 17 schools, 68 students, and 17 teachers participatedHigh Schools: 59 schools, 236 students, and 59 teachers participated

PhotosTaking a photo under a stereo microscope28

VietnamVietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST)
Space Technology Institute (STI)
General information
Participating school: Secondary school Nguyen Tat Thanh
Coordinating lecturer: Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hien

Main objectives






Raising awareness for education in space science/technology andinterdisciplinary studies
Observing and assessing differences in growth for ground and space seeds, andevaluating the impact of gravity and microgravity
Building a bridge between professions and education
Conveying new insight and vision in Biology for secondary school students andteachers
Introducing and advertising to the public community the SSAF and Kibo-ABC
programs

Number of participants: 275 secondary school pupils
Results and effectiveness








The program has attracted a number of secondary school pupils who are
conducting their own experiments.
Pupils have been very excited about the SSAF program. It provides students
and teachers with opportunities to observe experimental operations during thecondition of zero gravity.
Information regarding the Kibo laboratory (International Space Station) and its
use for scientific research and Asian benefits (Kibo-ABC program) has been
disseminated.
The program was successful in stimulating the interest and attention of pupils
and teachers in space science and technology—necessary precursors for thebuildup of human resources for the space sciences.
Through the SSAF program and experiment, pupils practiced teamwork, gained
scientific research skills and experience, and improved their presentation andreporting skills. Students were able to apply the statistical and comparison
knowledge obtained in the classroom to conduct their experiments and reportand propose scientific conclusions.
This program provided teachers with the opportunity to expand theirunderstanding, improve lectures and teaching content, encourage collaboration
between schools and research institutes, promote pupils’ interest in science andtechnology, and apply knowledge obtained to their current jobs.
29

Follow-up activities






Plant, observe, and compare the growth of ground and space seeds for longer
periods to investigate the importance of gravity, as well as the auto
formation and orientation of plants.
Extend the experiment to other seeds.
Develop guidelines and proposals for alternative materials.
Encourage teachers and pupils to continue investigations annually withmore diverse experiments.
Enlist support from JAXA for the Kibo-ABC program and a collaborative
network among participating groups.

Reflections from the public and community

Pupils were excited and delighted with the program.
The school administrator and teachers described the program as interesting
and attractive, with the potential for long-term collaborations.
Pupils’ parents indicated that they were happy with the training programand collaboration developed through experimentation; it strengthened theirbelief in teachers and the school.

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