If you could redesign a plant from scratch for life in space, what superpower would you give it? Tougher roots? Leaves that glow? Fruit that grows in zero gravity? This is your chance to find out, and then actually build it.

Welcome to Design Your Plant – the ultimate space science creativity challenge!

This imaginative two-hour workshop visits the Cosmic Echoes Exhibition before launching you into a session where you'll explore the real science behind what plants need to survive and thrive on long-duration space missions. Then the creative challenge kicks off. Drawing on genuine research, you'll dig deep into the science of plant traits:

Leaf colour — does it affect how much light a plant absorbs?
Root depth — how do roots behave without gravity pulling them down?
Flavour compounds — why does taste matter so much to astronauts far from home?
Growth speed — which plants can feed a hungry crew fastest?

First, your team will debate, discuss and defend which traits matter most for astronaut survival, wellbeing and mission success. Then comes the really fun part — you'll design and build your very own space plant using craft materials, bringing your engineered creation to life.

Every group then pitches their plant to the room. Whose creation would actually make it to Mars? Whose would keep a crew happy for two years in deep space? 

This workshop blends biology, design thinking, creativity and teamwork into one brilliant, hands-on experience. Perfect for curious minds of ALL ages — from primary school through to adults.