INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, June 24, 2025/National FFA Organization) – The Institute for Competition Sciences and the National FFA Organization have announced an agreement to provide a competitive event for agricultural education students that emphasize skills in plant, soil, and aerospace science, as well as experimental design, data analysis, and teamwork.

The Plant the Moon Challenge (PTMC) is a global citizen science experiment that invites students of all ages to explore the possibilities of growing vegetable crops in lunar or Martian soil simulants. It brings STEM and agriculture together in a hands-on, challenge-based, real-world learning project that is closely tied to NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and establish sustainable lunar exploration while also supporting farming innovation efforts on Earth.

Each student team receives a lunar or Martian soil simulant package, including essential tools like pH meters and planting pots. Over an eight-week growing period, teams design and conduct their own experiments to test plant growth in these challenging conditions. Their findings are evaluated by a panel of scientists, who select the most innovative projects for awards.

Those interested in the challenge are encouraged to register for the free Informational Webinar taking place Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:00-7:00 pm EST: www.plantthemoon.com/all-events

During the event, participants will be able to walk through the details of what PTMC participation looks like and receive live answers to their questions.

The Challenge runs two seasons per year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

The Plant the Moon Challenge is endorsed by the National FFA Organization and is open to FFA members.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.