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Student experiment out of this world
MD space team 2-2-2
Jarod Bowen is seen building a plant growth chamber for the experiment that will be launched to the International Space Station in a NASA program in March. - photo by Photo Contributed

Modesto Christian School students will see their “Plant Growth Chamber” launched into space atop a NASA rocket headed for the International Space Station in March.

Led by Ripon resident and instructor Robert Kissee the students have been designing and developing a biological experiment that will analyze the effects of plant growth in a micro gravity environment.  Through the design of the experiment the students have been provided real world opportunities to learn about and apply their knowledge in electrical circuits, computer programming, biology, physics and system integration.

Modesto Christian will be showcasing the NASA project this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the campus in Salida. Guided tours are scheduled by staff to answer any questions about academics, arts and athletics and may be reviewed at www.modestochristian.org.

In early March ae diverse team of sixth to 12th grade Modesto Christian students will travel to the NASA site to watch first hand their experiment being launched up to the International Space Station in outer space.  The launch is providing Modesto Christian Schools the opportunity to be the first school in the Central Valley to collaborate with NASA and its partners.

“This exciting endeavor will continue to provide unique experiences for the entire Modesto Christian community through data analysis experiment and the review of the launch module when it returns to earth,” according to a school spokesman.

“This scientific experiment is providing our students and out-of-this-world experience to explore the galaxy that can’t be duplicated on earth, according to K-8 Principal Matt Diehl.  The team is being sponsored by AllCare of Modesto, Applied Aerospace of Stockton, Kamps Propane of Ripon and Turlock Fruit Company.