Geek & Co. Science Space Farm #FAMChristmas
As a parent, I love when I find a toy for my son that’s both educational AND a blast to play with! That’s the case with the Geek & Co. Science Space Farm. The kids get to “grow plants in an off-world greenhouse dome!”. And I’m not sure who checks on it more, him or Mom.
Geeks in space! Explore what it would take to set up an extraterrestrial farm on another planet. Experiment with a nutrient gel to grow garden cress in hydroponic tubes without soil. In the greenhouse dome, grow the alien-like succulent Tiger’s Jaws (Faucaria tigrina). Find out what plants need in order to grow and how those things might be provided on another world. Geekstronaut figures tend to your space farm while it grows. Ages 8+
My little guy already loves to help in his grandparent’s yard and garden, and even in the small herb patch we grow on our back porch. So he was thrilled when he was given his own Space Farm to set up and tend to, while also learning.
This is a great way to learn about plants and gardening, while showing how it can be more than just in the ground and out in a field. Part of the growth takes place in hydroponic tubes, meaning there is no dirt but with fluid for the roots. And the greenhouse dome grows a plant called Tiger’s Jaw! These plants have neat sharp needles and it looks like it belongs on an alien planet!
I used this as a great segue-way into lessons talking about plants, nutrients, space and even responsibility in our school lessons. While it doesn’t require a lot of daily care, like a normal garden, it still needs to be monitored regularly. And I used the included tips and “did you know” section to prompt discussions and creative thought as we imagined ourselves on a far off planet and what all would be needed to survive, specifically growing food.
This is definitely on the small scale, but it’s enough to get any young mind curious and hopefully learn how plants can thrive in other environments than what they are used to at home. Be sure to learn more about the Geek & Co. Science Space Farm as well as following Thames and Kosmos on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for all the latest news and updates!
Make sure to check out our 2015 Christmas Gift Guide for more great gift ideas! We have everything for men, women, kids, pets, and the whole family!
