SCVi & iLEAD California DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge Finalists Announced

Featured image: SCVi 7th-12th DreamUp to Space MixStix Loading, 2025.

We are pleased to announce the finalists for the SCVi DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge Mission 25-26! In addition, SCVi has finalist teams in iLEAD California’s 4th-7th and 8th-12th DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenges!

25-26 SCVi DreamUp to Space Finalists

Congratulations to SCVi’s finalists:

Team Salvia hispanica (Chia)

• Members: Ariana T., Kayla M., Elijah B., Emma P., Lena C. 
• Grades: 4th and 5th
• Question: How do Salvia hispanica (chia) seeds change in space?

Team Lavandula (Lavender)

• Members: Sona G., Grace C., Lucy S.
• Grade: 6th
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on the germination of Lavandula (lavender)?

Team Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos) 

• Members: Rayleigh N., Elise M., Armelle A. 
• Grade: 8th
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on the growth of Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)?

Team Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)

• Members: Ian M., Evan R., Edmon V., LeeEvan B., Manny H.
• Grades: 4th and 5th
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina)?

Team Zea mays (Corn)

• Members: Macsen R., Deena A., Makayla D., Star B.
• Grade: 10th
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the germination of Zea mays (corn)?

Team Spinacia oleracea (Spinach)

• Members: Ms. Gonzales’ Whole Class
• Grade: 4th
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the germination of Spinacia oleracea (spinach)?

25-26 iLEAD California 4th-7th Grade DreamUp to Space Finalists

We are pleased to announce that SCVi has a finalist team in iLEAD California’s 4th-7th Grade DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge!

Team Fragaria x ananassa (Strawberry)

• Member: Grace H.
• Program: SCVi Exploration
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the germination of Fragaria x ananassa “Eversweet” strawberry seeds?

25-26 iLEAD California 8th-12th Grade DreamUp to Space Finalists

We are pleased to announce that SCVi has two finalist teams in iLEAD California’s 8th-12th Grade DreamUp to Space Experiment Design Challenge!

Team Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos) 

• Members: Rayleigh N., Elise M., Armelle A.
• Grade: 8th
• Question: What are the effects of microgravity on the growth of Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)?

Team Zea mays (Corn)

• Members: Macsen R., Deena A., Makayla D., Star B.
• Grade: 10th
• Question: What is the effect of microgravity on the germination of Zea mays (corn)?

FAQs

Q: What is a finalist?

A: A finalist in this competition is an author of an experiment who exhibited high rigor and effort. They are considered authors of the top proposals received in the design challenge.

Q: What are the next steps in the selection process?

A: Proposals will be submitted to a panel of aerospace assessors for review. The assessors make experiment selection recommendations.

The team selected for launch for each challenge will be announced on April 22. Stay tuned!