Space Colonies: Homes Among the Stars

Materials

• 1 L clear plastic bottle (ask an adult to help cut it)
• Soil, small rocks, and a handful of sand
• A little water
• A few seeds (lettuce or beans work well)
• Tape or a rubber band
• A permanent marker

How to Build Your Mini‑colony

1. Cut the bottle: Remove the bottom with scissors (adult help needed).
2. Make the ground: Fill the bottom half with sand, rocks, and soil. Press it down gently.
3. Plant a seed: Dig a tiny hole, drop the seed in, and cover it lightly.
4. Add water: Sprinkle just enough water to make the soil damp, not soggy.
5. Seal the habitat: Put the bottle’s top back on and tape it closed so the air stays inside.
6. Watch and record: Put the bottle near a sunny window. Every day, draw a quick picture of what you see and write a short note (sprouts, water droplets, etc.).

What You’ll Learn

• Plants need soil, water, and air to grow.
• A sealed bottle can recycle air and water, just like a space colony.
• Scientists use local materials (like Moon dust) to build habitats. This saves the weight of supplies that must travel from Earth.

Quick Quiz

1. Why do space colonies need to recycle air and water?: A) To keep the rockets clean

   • B) because supplies are limited in space: C) To make the colony look shiny

2. What is “in‑situ resource utilization” (isru)?: A) Using only Earth‑made materials

   • B) using local materials like moon dust to build things: C) Sending more rockets with extra supplies

3. What happens to muscles in low‑gravity places, and how can colonists stay healthy?: A) Muscles get stronger; no exercise needed

   • B) muscles get weaker; daily exercise is needed: C) Muscles turn into bone; eat more cheese

Enjoy your tiny space garden and imagine how real colonies might live among the stars!