# Plant the Moon Challenge

Global lunar-agriculture science challenge: teams of 1-5 students grow crops in lunar regolith simulant over an 8-week experiment, with a Jr division for elementary and middle school. $229 per team.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Institute of Competition Sciences |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | $229 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://plantthemoon.com/register/ |

## About this program

# Plant the Moon Challenge

The Plant the Moon Challenge, run by the Institute of Competition Sciences, is a global science experiment and educational research challenge to see who can grow the best crops in lunar (or Martian) soil. Teams receive a project kit with lunar regolith simulant plus access to the competition platform, curriculum, training materials, and engagement events, then design and run their own plant-growth experiment. Findings help scientists understand how to feed future missions to the Moon and Mars, in step with NASA's Artemis program.

## What You'll Do

- Design your own experiment using the Project Guide - choose your crop and define parameters to support plant growth
- Grow crops in lunar regolith simulant over an 8-week growing period
- Document results and submit a final project report judged by age division
- Present alongside a global network of student researchers at season events

## Who Should Apply

Teams of 1-5 students with an adult coach (a teacher, parent, or any adult 18+). Middle schoolers compete through the Plant the Moon Challenge Jr division for elementary and middle school, while high school and university teams enter the main divisions. Registration for each spring season runs October through January ($229 per team plus shipping), and grant funding is available to cover team costs.

## Outcomes

Teams finish with a genuine, documented research project in space agriculture - rare at the middle school level - plus awards by division and membership in a global community of student researchers.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Plant the Moon Challenge cost?

Plant the Moon Challenge costs $229. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Plant the Moon Challenge?

Plant the Moon Challenge is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Plant the Moon Challenge online or in person?

Plant the Moon Challenge is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to Plant the Moon Challenge?

Apply directly through Institute of Competition Sciences's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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