Biological Experiments in Space as the Object of the Educational Program in Ukraine

For the purpose of organizing and carrying out extracurricular training, and identifying, mentoring and supporting gifted students, the Ukrainian Junior Academy of Sciences (UJAS) was created. Under its auspices, high school students from the USA and the Ukraine, together with astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, conducted plant science experiments (Collaborative Ukrainian Experiment or CUE) during NASA's STS-87 mission. While the students constructed simulated flight hardware and studied the growth, pollination and fertilization of Brassica rapa plants in their classrooms, the same plant investigation took place in the microgravity environment aboard the Space Shuttle. During the period when the Brassica experiments were being conducted, the International Water Institute (IWI) Program was developed by Brevard Community College in collaboration with the UJAS. The program has expanded and today the IWI program is one of the most productive in Ukraine. It is not only a service to our communities but is also teaching our students about preserving our earth's resources. After participation in the CUE, UJAS was involved in a Student/Teacher Program on Space Sciences as well as with the Wisconsin Fast Plants Program. Prof. Paul Williams from the University of Wisconsin was the initiator of both these programs, which were extended throughout the Ukraine. The Brassica & Butterfly (B&B) Program is being expanded to the same level as the initial CUE Program. Many of our teachers have participated in the B&B Workshops and introduced this program in their schools.