Introduction

In an exciting intersection of culture and scientific discovery, heirloom seeds from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which ventured into space in 2023, are set to be planted on Earth this spring as part of an innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) project.

The Seeds

These five varieties of seeds—Isito (Choctaw Sweet Potato Squash), Tobi (Smith Peas), Tanchi Tohbi (Flour Corn), Tvnishi (Lambsquarter), and Chukfi Peas—were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2023 on a mission to study the effects of microgravity and space radiation. After spending over five months in the cosmos, these seeds returned to Earth in April 2024, weighing just over a pound (500 grams).

Purpose of the Initiative

The initiative, named the Choctaw Heirloom Seeds investigation, has a two-fold purpose: it aims to broaden understanding of how space conditions impact plant growth while simultaneously encouraging Native American youth to engage in STEM fields. This initiative aligns with NASA's commitment to enhance representation from underrepresented communities in scientific disciplines.

Student Engagement

Students from the Jones Academy, a boarding school specifically for Native Americans located in Oklahoma, will play an active role in this groundbreaking experiment. The students will plant both the space-traveled seeds and a control group of uncrossed seeds from the same varieties in the school’s Growing Hope Garden. Through their engagement, students will be tasked with hypothesizing which group will thrive better, allowing them to conduct hands-on observations and analyses of the plants' growth.

Broader Implications

Experts believe that this unique project not only deepens our knowledge of agricultural conservation in the wake of climate change but also highlights the resilience of traditional Native American crops. By teaching participants about the scientific method through this tangible experiment, the project hopes to inspire a new generation equipped with the skills and passion to tackle future challenges in both agriculture and science.

Empowering Native Youth

Empowering Native youth to pursue careers in STEM isn’t just pivotal for diversity; it elevates Native culture and strengthens community ties. As we watch these extraordinary seeds take root in Oklahoma’s soil, we can only imagine the sky-high aspirations they’ll inspire in the minds of young scientists to come.

Conclusion

With initiatives like these, the stars aren’t the limit—it's just the beginning! Stay tuned to see how this unique fusion of heritage, science, and education blossoms.