iLEAD California DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge Finalists Announced

Featured image: iLEAD Exploration 4th-7th DreamUp to Space MixStix Loading 2025.

We are pleased to announce that iLEAD Exploration has six 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 our finalist teams from iLEAD Exploration:

Team Medicago sativa (Alfalfa)

• Member: Annmarie E.
• Question: What is the impact of microgravity on the germination of the variants UCAL2250, Ameristand 901TS, and Sholty of Medicago sativa (alfalfa)?

Team Eruca sativa (Arugula)

• Member: Liam W.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on Eruca sativa (arugula), and how it will germinate in space? 

Team Midori max (Soybean)

• Member: Katelyn E.
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the germination of Midori max (soybeans) using hydroponics?

Team Laetiporus mycelium (Chicken of the Woods)

• Member: Maximillian T. 
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the growth of Laetiporus mycelium (Chicken of the Woods)?

Team Mentha X piperita (Peppermint)

• Member: Leah W.
• Question: How will microgravity affect the germination of Mentha X piperita (peppermint)?

8th-12th Grade Finalists

Congratulations to our finalist team from iLEAD Exploration:

Team Mycotecture

• Members: William T. and Teagan K. 
• Question: How does microgravity affect the structural integrity of mycelium-based biocomposite materials?

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 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 April 22. Stay tuned!