DreamUp MixStix Loading 2025: SCVi Experiment Soars to the ISS!

Our DreamUp experience for iLEAD learners has been an out-of-this-world adventure! Recently, learners from SCVi loaded their carefully designed experiment into MixStix for its journey to the International Space Station (ISS). MixStix are mixture enclosure tubes that keep fluids, materials, chemicals, biological materials separate, then allow scientists to see how they mix in space.

This incredible opportunity allowed learners to engage in real scientific inquiry, exploring the fascinating effects of microgravity. SCVi Team Phyllostachys edulis (Team Bamboo) investigated the effects of microgravity on Phyllostachys edulis (bamboo) seeds.

This learner-designed experiment embarked on its journey aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on April 21, 2025, launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The Cargo Dragon successfully docked with the ISS on April 22, 2025.

While astronauts on the ISS conducted the microgravity portion of the experiment, our dedicated SCVi learners simultaneously performed the same experiments right here on Earth. This parallel investigation will allow them to directly compare their results and truly understand the unique influence of microgravity.