This month, the Plants for Space (P4S) team shared the exciting world of plant science, space exploration and future food technologies with students and communities across the Top End. 

Delivered in partnership with the University of Melbourne School of Biosciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS), the trip covered a number of NT sites:

  • Katherine
  • Wugularr (Beswick)
  • Barunga
  • Darwin High School
  • Haileybury Rendall School Darwin
  • Darwin Botanic Gardens

We ran STEM learning experiences for 300 students across the territory, finishing the journey with a vibrant presence at the Barunga Festival where more than 5,500 members of the public engaged with our work.

The outreach program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to connecting young people with meaningful learning and real-world research, regardless of where they live.  

Workshop facilitators came together from across P4S, MACSYS and the University of Melbourne to deliver a successful STEM roadshow.
Students at Wulugarr School got excited about science through a series of hands-on classroom activities.
Demonstrators soaked up the sun at a pop-up STEM display on the school basketball court.
The activities also gave the chance for students to present their ideas in front of peers and researchers.

STEM Learning in the Community

Through workshops and hands-on experiments, students discovered how science can address global challenges such as food security, sustainability and life support in space.

The education contingent ran a diverse range of activities across the territory, including:

  • Space Salad Investigation - Students analysed foods for proteins, carbohydrates and fats while discovering the nutritional challenges faced by astronauts.
  • Green Juice Workshop  - By extracting, filtering and modifying plant materials, students explored how naturally occurring compounds influence the flavour, appearance and texture of foods.
  • Plant Design Challenge - Students used design thinking to images new crops for a long-term space mission. These 'future plants' were designed to contribute to oxygen production, food supply and human wellbeing in space habitats, all while withstanding radiation and harsh resource constraints.

Empowering future leaders

One of the most rewarding aspects of the tour was the opportunity to work with students from regional, remote and First Nations communities. Their enthusiasm, thoughtful questions and creative ideas enriched every session and highlighted the importance of providing equitable access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities.

By bringing contemporary science into classrooms and communities, we hope to inspire future scientists, engineers, innovators and leaders who will tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

We extend our sincere thanks to the teachers, school leaders, Darwin Botanic Gardens staff, community members and students who welcomed us throughout the Northern Territory. Your support, curiosity and engagement helped make this outreach journey an outstanding success!