This contribution presents an inquiry-based space science education project for primary school students (grades 3–4) in gifted education settings. Students engage in structured scientific inquiry through hands-on experiments using simulated lunar regolith. In the project “Plants in Space,” they investigate plant growth under controlled conditions with defined water levels (3–9 ml), standardized measurements, and weekly data collection. Students formulate hypotheses, analyze data, and document results in scientific-style reports. The project integrates NASA and DLR resources and was awarded the 2022 Innovation Award of the Hector Academy. It demonstrates how authentic scientific research can be introduced in primary education.

Biography:

Markus Paul is a STEM educator specializing in astronomy and space science education for primary and secondary school students. He works in extracurricular gifted education programs such as the Hector Children’s Academy and the “Digitale Drehtür” initiative in Germany. His teaching focuses on inquiry-based learning, model construction, and hands-on experimentation. He develops structured astronomy education modules and integrates real scientific contexts and resources from organizations such as NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). His work emphasizes enabling students to engage in authentic scientific inquiry from an early age.