
Genes in Space
Ages:Middle School, High School
Type:Submission
Categories:Aerospace Engineering, STEM
Scope:National
Registration
Entry Fee: $
Contact
Katy Martin
katy@minipcr.com
Genes in Space invites students to design DNA analysis experiments that solve real-world problems in space exploration. The winning experiment will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) where it will be carried out by astronauts. The contest is a collaboration between miniPCR and Boeing with generous support from the ISS National Laboratory and New England Biolabs, Inc.
Genes in Space invites students to submit a brief (one-page) proposal for a biology experiment that would address a challenge faced by space travelers. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or pairs of students, and must use the International Space Station (ISS) as a testbed for space exploration. Students must explain a) the problem their experiment will address, b) their hypothesis, c) their experimental plan, and d) the tools they will use to have their experiments carried out. The contest is free to enter, and does not require equipment. 35 student groups will be granted award packages, and five of those will be named Finalists. Finalists will be paired with mentors to help them refine and develop their experiments before they present their ideas to our contest judges at the ISS Research & Development Conference. The judges will choose one experiment to launch to the ISS.
- Have you identified an interesting question? (20 points)
- Have you stated a clear and well-reasoned hypothesis? (20 points)
- Do you present a clear and actionable experimental plan? (15 points)
- Does your experimental design make sensible and creative use of the Genes in Space toolkit? (15 points)
- Do you make a strong case for the benefits your work will bring to future generations of space travelers? (25 points)
- Does your proposal inspire enthusiasm for your selected topic? (5 points)
Website: www.genesinspace.org
Managing Organization: miniPCR bio
Contact:
Katy Martin
katy@minipcr.com
Eligibility:
<strong>Any U.S.-based student (i.e., a student residing and attending school in the United States) in grades 7-12 is eligible to compete. Homeschooled students are eligible to compete. Students may compete individually or pairs.</strong>
Registration Opens: January 1, 2024
Registration Closes: April 2, 2024
Overview
Genes in Space invites students to design DNA analysis experiments that solve real-world problems in space exploration. The winning experiment will be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) where it will be carried out by astronauts. The contest is a collaboration between miniPCR and Boeing with generous support from the ISS National Laboratory and New England Biolabs, Inc.
Process
Criteria
- Have you identified an interesting question? (20 points)
- Have you stated a clear and well-reasoned hypothesis? (20 points)
- Do you present a clear and actionable experimental plan? (15 points)
- Does your experimental design make sensible and creative use of the Genes in Space toolkit? (15 points)
- Do you make a strong case for the benefits your work will bring to future generations of space travelers? (25 points)
- Does your proposal inspire enthusiasm for your selected topic? (5 points)
Awards
Participate
Website: www.genesinspace.org
Managing Organization: miniPCR bio
Contact:
Katy Martin
katy@minipcr.com
Entry Fee:
Eligibility:
<strong>Any U.S.-based student (i.e., a student residing and attending school in the United States) in grades 7-12 is eligible to compete. Homeschooled students are eligible to compete. Students may compete individually or pairs.</strong>
Deadlines
Registration Opens: January 1, 2024
Registration Closes: April 2, 2024