iLEAD California DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge Finalists Announced

We are pleased to announce that iLEAD Exploration has four finalist teams in the 4th-7th Grade and 8th-12th Grade iLEAD California DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenges!

4th-7th Grade Finalists

Congratulations to the finalists:

Team Pleurotus eryngii (King Trumpet Mushroom Mycelium)

• Member: iLEAD Exploration 4th Grader Matthew F.
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on the mycelium of Pleurotus eryngii (king trumpet mushrooms)?

Team Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (Sourdough)

• Members: iLEAD Exploration 5th Grader Tesla B. and 4th Grader Annalee B.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis (sourdough) starter?

Team Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Member: SCVi 7th Grader Kara C.
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on acetaminophen (Tylenol)?

Team Salvia hispanica (Chia)

• Members: iLEAD AV Studio 6th Graders Harper M., Francesca B., Joel P.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the germination of Salvia hispanica (chia) seeds?

Team Ocimum basilicum (Purple Basil)

• Member: iLEAD Lancaster 7th Grader Jahtar F.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on Ocimum basilicum (purple basil) seeds?

8th-12th Grade Finalists

Congratulations to the finalists:

Team Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom)

• Members: iLEAD Exploration 9th Grader William T.
• Question: How does microgravity affect the structural effectiveness of biocomposite materials?

Team Armadillidium vulgare (Pill Bugs)

• Members: iLEAD Exploration’s Capriana Y., Grayson Y., and Ryder Y.
• Question: Can Armadillidium vulgare (pill bugs) increase the pH of soil in microgravity?

Team Phyllostachys edulis (Bamboo Shoots)

• Members: SCVi’s Madison F., Quinn R., Sergio V., Jonah O.
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on Phyllostachys edulis (bamboo) seeds?

Team Moringa Oleifera (Malunggay)

• Members: iLEAD AV Studio 8th Graders Mason M., Xander B., Valentino D.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on Moringa oleifera (malunggay) seeds?

Team Punica granatum (Red Wilk Pomegranate)

• Members: Empower Generations 9th and 11th Graders Jayden G., Liam B., and Branden M.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on Punica granatum (pomegranate) seeds?

FAQs

Q: What is a finalist?

A: A finalist in this competition is an author of an experiment who exhibited high rigor and effort. They are considered authors of the top 5 of proposals received in the design challenge.

Q: What are the next steps in the selection process?

A: Proposals will be submitted to a panel of aerospace assessors for review. The assessors make experiment selection recommendations.

The team selected for launch for each challenge will be announced on October 18. Stay tuned!