1. Effect of Microgravity on Nitrogen Fixation in Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Johnson County Central High School, Johnson County, NE

2. Johnson County Central High School, Tecumseh NE Principal Investigator Rudy Pooch Investigators Isaac Buss Keelee McClintock Natalie Roddy Mason Waring Spencer Dorsey Collaborators Sara Kettelhake Tashayla Dorn Sopha Kongmanyvong Teacher Facilitators Nichole Justesen, Johnson County Central High School Vicky Boone, Johnson County Central High School

3. In order to grow our own food in space we need fertile soil. Red clover is a legume that uses bacteria in the soil to naturally fixate nitrogen, making the soil fertile. In this experiment we planted both our sample and control, and will compare how much nitrogen is added to the soil by the clover. Abstract

4. We believe that the clover exposed to microgravity will release the same quantities of nitrates as it would on Earth. Hypothesis

5. Our experiment allowed the seeds to germinate in space. The clamps were opened on U-2. The seeds were planted upon return to JCC, and the nitrogen content will be tested throughout its life cycle. Materials: Cotton, Soil (Contains Proteobacteria), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L), Water Experiment

6. Further Research ISSControl One Control Two Descriptions Week One1252Mold in all 3 Week Two1212CTL 1 Dry Week Three911Moved outside Week 1Week 2 Week 3

7. National Sponsors State & Local Sponsors JCC School District JCC Board of Education Tecumseh Foundation Barb & Dennis Gottula Ramsey Family Fountain Noman & Ramona Boone Sally Hutt

8. Questions