Sonja Berger, Karly Gallis, and Ireland Portalski

Mrs.Cybulski
IDS - SSEP
25 March 2013
SSEP Micro-Gravity Proposal: The Effect of Microgravity on the Germination of Radish Seeds
Topic: the growth of radish seeds in a micro-gravity environment, with instant snow, also known
as sodium polyacrylate, as a soil replacement
of radish seeds in space would benefit future missions in space.
Problem Statement:
To determine the effect of micro-gravity on the germination of radish seeds in sodium
polyacrylate.
Hypothesis:
If radish seeds are placed in micro-gravity, their final germination amount will be greater
than that of Earth.
Data Measured:
The independent variable is the micro-gravity environment, measured in g. The
dependent variable is the total growth of the seeds. The statistical method used to analyze the
data is a matched-pairs t-test. In addition, sodium polyacrylate and water are measured in
milliliters.
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Background:
Instant snow is a fun mixture used to create snow anywhere, anytime, regardless of
temperature or precipitation. Its made mostly of a polymer call sodium polyacrylate, which is
most commonly found in baby diapers. So this means that the same thing that absorbs a babys
mess is used for Christmas decorations? YES! But could there be more uses for sodium
polyacrylate than that? What if it was used to help radish seeds germinate in SPACE? It sounds
crazy, but its crazy enough it might actually work!
Sodium polyacrylate is a super-absorbent polymer used in both baby diapers and fake
snow. Fake snow works by adding a large quantity of water to a tiny amount of powder. This
powder absorbs the water and up to 100 times its original volume (Instant Snow Powder). The
powder works through osmosis, in which the water moves from the outside of the powder to the
inside and causes it to swell. These polymer chains have an elastic quality, which is why they are
able to expand so much. In this experiment, the sodium polyacrylate would hold water around
the seeds, giving them the proper conditions to germinate. This is better than a standard soil
because it will fill up the entire tube and hold its moisture for much longer (Instant Snow
Erupting Snow Polymer).
Radish seeds, or raphinus sativus seeds, will be soaked in hydrogen peroxide prior to the
actual experiment to help break down the testa of the seeds. In a research study by Karly Gallis
and Naim Cekaj, it was found that seeds soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes
germinate faster than those that were not. The seeds will hopefully germinate more easily in
space with this treatment, allowing for more optimal results.
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These radish seeds will not be the first to grow in space, however. The University of
Wisconsin-Madison conducted a study of their own on growing mustard seeds in space. The
leader of the study, Mary Musgrave, found that the seeds took the same amount of time to go through
each stage of life as on Earth. Musgrave will be conducting a further study at a later date on the
reproduction of seeds in space (Plants in Space: Wisconsin Seeds First To Sprout From Stock Grown on
Mir).
Our experiment also involves growing plants in space, except that Musgraves
experiment used already living plants. Since we will be using seeds, which do not require as
much food or sunlight as living plants, we can expect more drastic results in space. The
experiment will be conducted by placing the sodium polyacrylate inside the tube with two radish
seeds, and water will be released on the first day of testing to begin the process. Water will be
released again on the twelfth day to rehydrate the sodium polyacrylate and subsequently the
seeds. An identical trial will be conducted on Earth and each seed will be measured and
compared upon their return to Earth. These measurements would then be used to conduct a
matched-pairs t-test to statistically analyze the findings.






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Scientific Relevance:
Germination relates to many different subjects as well as serves as solutions to current
day problems. Seed germination is the process where the plant emerges from the seed and begins
to grow. The experiment discussed can be applied to multiple science fields. Through soaking it
in hydrogen peroxide, it involves chemistry. Doing so softens the testa of the seed and allows for
easier germination. The germination of seeds relates to biology as the seed is observed through
stages of growth. Germination of radish seeds could lead to other plant studies in space.
Not only does seed germination relate to biology, but so does the use of Insta-snow. Inst-
snow consists of sodium polyacrylate. This chemical absorbs water like a sponge. This benefits
this experiment because it acts as a soil substitute allowing for the seed to germinate using the
water held by the particles. This could further science because Insta-Snow is more ideal for
space. Since it is a soil substitute it could be used to grow plants in space. Insta- Snow is easier to
transport to space because its volume is smaller since it takes form of a powder and expands
once water is added. Also, it is a more affordable source.
Along with Insta- Snow being more affordable, germination would affect many people in
economic circumstances. Due to overpopulation, space on Earth is necessary to live. If plants
could be grown in space, that would eliminate most farming on Earth. This creates more living
space. A typical person would be affected by this research because if it is easier to produce plants
products would be more affordable. The economy would improve greatly. Through acquiring
optimum knowledge on seed germination with the effects of micro-gravity, astronauts could use
plants for food. Plants also would help in recycling waste water and cycling the stale air. As well
as improving life in space, seed germination would also benefit those on Earth. The germination

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Works Cited
"Plants in Space: Wisconsin Seeds First To Sprout From Stock Grown on Mir."SpaceRef. University of
Wisconsin-Madison, 10 Sept. 1997. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=7846>.
Spangler, Steve. "Instant Snow Powder." Steve Spangler Science: Making Science Fun!N.p., n.d. Web. 24
Mar. 2013. <http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/instant-snow>.
Spangler, Steve. "Instant Snow - Erupting Snow Polymer." Steve Spangler Science: Making Science
Fun! N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2013. <http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/insta-
snow-polymer>.