Could a salad actually save an astronaut's life on a two-year mission to Mars? Spoiler: it just might, and YOU get to find out how!

Welcome to the Space Salad Lab, where real food science meets outer space.

This epic two-hour workshop kicks off inside the Cosmic Echoes Exhibition before diving headfirst into one of the most deliciously hands-on science experiences you'll ever have.

First, you'll explore the extraordinary science behind growing food in space, the real challenges, the real research, and the real stakes for astronauts who are millions of kilometres from their nearest supermarket. 

Then the fun really begins.  You'll build your very own space salad, and then, here's where it gets seriously cool, you'll put it through a battery of real nutrient tests to find out exactly what's inside your food:

•  Test for protein using dipstick science
•  Hunt for starch with an iodine reaction
•  Detect fat with an emulsion test
• Simulate a fibre test (yes, really, it's as fun as it sounds!)

Along the way, you'll grind, mix, squirt, and discover whether your salad actually makes the grade for space travel. Could YOUR creation fuel a mission to Mars?

This workshop is hands-on, laugh-out-loud fun and packed with real science. Suitable for Years 7–10 and curious adults who love getting their hands dirty.