Donate to Support STEM Education

STEM Kit #1 – Science Literacy English as a Second Language

This STEM kit, centered around the *Rabbit Goes to Space* workbooks, is designed to boost scientific literacy and English language skills, particularly for English as a second language (ESL) learners. Through the story of a curious rabbit’s space adventure, the workbooks introduce foundational science concepts, such as gravity, planets, and basic physics, in an engaging and accessible way. Each page incorporates simple English vocabulary and interactive activities that encourage students to practice reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Fun science experiments and exercises accompany the story, allowing students to deepen their understanding of each concept through hands-on learning. By blending language and science education, the kit aims to build both communication skills and scientific curiosity, making it a versatile tool for classrooms focused on both STEM and language acquisition.

Each kit includes a class set of 30 workbooks and access to corresponding lesson plans featured on the Magnitude.io website.

This STEM Kit is supported in part by Magnitude.io, an ISS National Lab official partner.

STEM Kit #2- Space Biology

This STEM kit, designed to explore plant growth in space, invites students to investigate the effects of microgravity on plant development using a mini greenhouse and Tomatosphere seeds. Tomatosphere seeds, which have been flown aboard the International Space Station for six weeks, provide a unique opportunity to study how plants might grow in extraterrestrial environments. The kit includes a compact greenhouse that mimics conditions in space by allowing control over temperature, light, and moisture levels. Students will plant and observe the growth of tomato seeds, comparing those exposed to space conditions with a control group grown under normal conditions on Earth. This hands-on kit encourages students to engage with scientific processes such as hypothesis formation, data collection, and analysis, ultimately helping them understand challenges in growing plants beyond Earth and the potential for sustainable food production in space.

This STEM Kit, designed to educate students about space biology, includes a mini greenhouse, Tomatosphere Seeds (test and control group), a lesson plan about plant growth in space, and “Max Goes to the Space Station” book by Dr. Jeff Bennett.

This STEM Kit is supported in part by First the Seed Foundation (Tomatosphere), an ISS National Lab official partner.

STEM Kit #3 – DNA in Space

This STEM kit introduces students to the fascinating field of DNA research in space by using MiniPCR Bio’s P51 Molecular Glow Lab and micro pipettes. In this hands-on lab, students learn how DNA can be analyzed and manipulated, even in the unique conditions of space, where understanding genetic stability and adaptability is crucial. The P51 Molecular Glow Lab enables students to visualize DNA by making it glow under specific lighting, simulating the way scientists observe genetic materials under fluorescence. Micro pipettes included in the kit teach students precise laboratory techniques, allowing them to transfer tiny amounts of liquid DNA samples accurately—just as researchers do in real DNA labs. Through experiments, students learn about DNA structure, replication, and mutations, connecting this knowledge to the challenges of conducting genetic research in microgravity environments. This kit not only teaches the science behind DNA research but also encourages critical thinking about how we might support human health and resilience in space through genetic insights.

This STEM Kit includes a P51 Molecular Glow Lab, a micropipette, micropipette practice dyes, and practice art cards.

This STEM Kit is supported in part by MiniPCR Bio, an ISS National Lab official partner.

STEM Kit #4 – Earth Observation from Space

This STEM kit allows students to explore Earth observation from space using the ISS-Above device, which provides real-time tracking and visual data of the International Space Station’s (ISS) location and its orbit over our planet. The kit introduces students to satellite technology, space missions, and Earth science by connecting them directly to live data feeds from the ISS, including information on geographical features, atmospheric conditions, and environmental changes observed from orbit. Students can see when the ISS is passing overhead and receive alerts for live viewing opportunities, sparking curiosity and engagement with the broader field of remote sensing. With interactive lessons and experiments, the kit encourages students to analyze patterns in climate, vegetation, ocean currents, and urban growth as seen from space, helping them understand the role of satellites in monitoring Earth’s systems. This hands-on approach combines technology and Earth science, empowering students to develop observational and analytical skills as they learn about the impact of space technology on environmental research.

This STEM Kit includes one ISS-Above Device, corresponding lesson plans, and one copy of “Steve Spangler’s Mind-Blowing Experiments” book.

This STEM Kit is supported in part by ISS-Above, an ISS National Lab official partner.

STEM Kit #5 – Physics in Space STEM Kit

This STEM kit teaches physics in space and data literacy using the PocketLab Voyager 2 sensor, a versatile device designed to measure motion, acceleration, altitude, temperature, and magnetic fields. Students use the Voyager 2 to conduct experiments that mimic the unique conditions encountered in space, such as microgravity and free-fall, and collect real-time data to observe how physical laws behave differently without Earth’s gravitational influence. With activities focused on Newton’s laws, forces, and energy, students gain a hands-on understanding of physics concepts while also building essential data literacy skills. By connecting the Voyager 2 to a tablet or computer, students can visualize their data through graphs and tables, learning how to analyze trends, interpret results, and draw scientific conclusions. The kit encourages students to think critically about how physics operates in space, while fostering skills in data collection and analysis that are increasingly important in STEM fields.

This STEM Kit will include one PocketLab Voyager 2 Sensor, access to corresponding space-based lesson plans, as well as a copy of “Steve Spangler’s Mind-Blowing Experiments” book.

This STEM Kit is supported in part by PocketLab Sensors, an ISS National Lab official partner.

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GIVE BY MAIL: We also gratefully accept mail-in donations. Please make your check payable to the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc.

DONATIONS CAN BE MAILED TO:
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc.
1005 Viera Blvd., Suite 101
Rockledge, FL 32955

The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS^®), manager of the International Space Station National Lab, is a tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We will send you an email donation receipt upon successful completion of your donation.