Science experiments aren't just for classrooms anymore.
Four Houston students have earned their projects a trip to outer space on the unmanned SpaceX Dragon capsule, slated to make the first commercial launch to the International Space Station's research laboratory.
A group of fifth-graders from Parker Elementary and a Johnston Middle School eighth-grader conducted two out of 15 experiments selected nationally as winners of the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program.
"It's cool that they picked our experiment," said Maxx Denning, 11. "We're all pretty excited and happy that it's going."
Students spent eight weeks designing and proposing experiments to be tested in micro-gravity. The fifth-graders - also including Michael Prince and Aaron Stuart - tested how well liquid Vitamin C preserves bone density, while middle schooler Emily Soice tested the growth of liver cells in bioscaffolds - structures made in the form of tissues - infused with a growth protein.
"It's one thing to conduct an experiment in class, but it's completely something else to actually conceptualize and follow through with a proposal," said fifth-grade science teacher Becky Mitchell.
Parker Elementary and Johnston Middle School are fine arts magnet schools. Mitchell said the experience was new for her students, who usually enjoy P.E. and band.
"I'm hoping that this experience will solidify that we are there to develop the whole child," she said.
Interest in science
Amber Pinchback, associate principal of Johnston Middle School, directed the partnership between Parker Elementary and Johnston Middle School. She said focusing on academics created another layer of talent among the students.
Emily, 13, was already interested in the subject.
"I definitely love science," she said.
Eighth-grade science teacher Nicole DiLuglio mandated participation in the program. She said the entire class was interested at first, but Emily showed a serious devotion to her experiment.
"I thought it was a really great opportunity," Emily said. "I remember the teacher asked who really wants to do this, and I was one of the few people who raised their hand."
Emily plans on traveling with her mother to Kennedy Space Center in Florida to watch the launch. The oft-delayed mission was planned for Monday but now is tentatively set for May 19.
"I'm looking forward to seeing my experiment blast off and to be a VIP guest," she said.
Six weeks in space
She said she also is excited about meeting NASA employees because she may want to become a researcher.
Michael and Maxx also said they want to become researchers, scientists or engineers.
Mitchell said that Aaron became more and more enthusiastic about the project every day.
"I want to be an astronaut and fly into space one day," said Aaron, 11.
The experiments are expected to be at the International Space Station for six weeks before returning to Earth.
zahra.ahmed@chron.com
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