SE Valley Times

Students from Red Mountain High School, Zaharis Elementary, and the STEM Institute at Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, have achieved a significant milestone. Their science experiment was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of SpaceX's 31st Commercial Resupply Services mission. This project is a component of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP), which integrates real-world scientific research into classrooms in the United States and Canada.

The experiment, titled "The Growth and Mutation of Staphylococcus (epidermidis) Biofilm in Microgravity," examines how biofilms grow differently in space compared to Earth. By focusing on Staphylococcus epidermidis, students aim to understand better ways to protect astronauts from bacterial infections during extended space missions.

This initiative involves students from Grades 4, 5, 9, and 12 within Mesa Public Schools. It provides an opportunity for young scientists to engage with scientific inquiry practically. The experiment is one of 39 student-led projects included in this mission. The SSEP program is partnered with the ISS National Laboratory® and offers students experience with the scientific process, preparing them for future roles as scientists, researchers, and engineers. The project has successfully reached the ISS, with testing scheduled to begin on November 11.

Mesa Public Schools collaborated with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies to bring practical experience into classrooms. Honeywell provided volunteers who mentored project teams and judged project selections while offering industry expertise throughout the process. Some students from the winning team traveled to Cape Canaveral to witness the launch firsthand—a memorable conclusion to a year-long endeavor made possible by Honeywell's sponsorship.

"We are incredibly proud of these students and their work," said Shane Bycott, STEM instructional coach at Red Mountain High School. "This project is not only a significant educational achievement but also an inspiring example of how young scientists can contribute to cutting-edge research with potential real-world applications in space exploration."