Pulaski County Middle School students compete in international STEM competition

The competition involves experiments to learn about growing crops on lunar or Martian soil

Reopening plan for Pulaski County schools moves forward

PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – Pulaski County Middle School is competing in the Plant the Moon Challenge to help NASA scientists answer questions about growing crops on lunar or Martian soil.

45 eighth-grade students, led by Mrs. Tina Winesett, designed and are conducting a set of experiments using the stimulant to grow crops for a future long-duration mission.

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“I love making connections between the real world and the classroom,” Mrs. Winesett said. â€śI believe it increases student interest when they realize what they are learning can be applied to their lives.  With this challenge, students have an incredible opportunity to be part of something much bigger than the class.  They are conducting an experiment and sharing their data with NASA.”

“My favorite part of the Plant the Moon Challenge is growing stuff because I want to become a gardener one day,” Eighth grader Payton Thomas said. “We love the fact that we might get to send plants to the moon.”

Best in Show award winners will be chosen by a panel of NASA scientists, program executives, and other dignitaries.


About the Author:

Lauren Helkowski joined WSLS 10’s digital team in August 2022, but has held a passion for storytelling long before.