Seeds that have
touched the stars
AstroSprouts brings real space research into Australian classrooms — students grow seeds that have orbited Earth aboard the International Space Station.
What is AstroSprouts?
AstroSprouts is a nation-wide science experiment inviting Australian schools to take part in genuine space research. Each participating school receives seeds that have travelled to the International Space Station, alongside Earth-based control seeds for comparison.
By growing both sets side by side and carefully documenting the results, students investigate how microgravity influences plant germination and growth — contributing to research with real implications for long-duration spaceflight and the future of food in space.
International Space Station
How it works
Three steps from your classroom to space science.
Receive your kit
Your school receives ISS-flown seeds, Earth-based control seeds, experiment instructions, and educational activity sheets — everything needed to get started.
Grow & compare
Plant both sets of seeds and track their progress. Document germination, measure growth, and upload photos here on AstroSprouts to share your observations.
See others seeds
Keep an eye on this website to see how others are going with their seeds
Ready to grow with us?
Students participating in the Ballarat Tech School Girls in STEM and Boys in STEM programs will receive their seeds. Plant your seed and start documenting its growth!
Learn more at Seeds in Space →A collaboration between schools and science
AstroSprouts at Ballarat is a joint initiative between Ballarat Tech School and Swinburne University of Technology, bringing cutting-edge space research directly into local classrooms.
Questions? Email us at ballarattechschool@federation.edu.au
Ballarat Tech School
Swinburne University