Student teams learn about engineering design of green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and the use of GFPs in medical research, including stem cell research. The use of GFPs is simulated by adding fluorescent dye to water and allowing a flower or plant to transport the dye throughout its structure. Students apply their knowledge of GFPs to engineering applications in the medical, environmental and space exploration fields. Due to the fluorescing nature of the dye, plant life of any color, light or dark, can be used unlike dyes that can only be seen in visible light.