Current interest in exploration and settlement of other habitable worlds and the need for a pioneering spirit should be used to create high interest levels in high school students. The best place to start cooperative efforts by space scientists interested in life beyond its current known habitat is with students enrolled in agriscience education. By encouraging the participation of such students in the process of scientific research, there will be a powerful connection established to the next generation of workers. There is a need for scientists to more cognizant and supportive of inclusion of younger people in the process of discovery and establishment of life beyond Earth.

The learning of science by doing science makes the practical application of science a reality in which students experience their own learning. Practical science advanced in western society on the backs of those who worked the land. Agriculture has forever epitomized the evolution of mankind. The development of technologies for the advancement of village societies has been lead by those whose work relates to the soil. Agriculturists have always been, and will likely be, on the frontier of colonization of the land. Civilizations, except for hunters and gatherers, require ecosystem management to survive.

In the program currently under design at Oroville High School, students will approach the study of life, the atmosphere, soils and ecosystems as dynamic systems. However, the primary focus of the program will be on life beyond earth. These will be the first high school students who seek to identify and apply those natural processes which may spread life from this planet to others. They will be encouraged to work with scientists from around the world who are seeking to discover the requirements of organisms to survive and adapt to ecosystems beyond Earth.