Thousands of green-fingered pupils across the country are set to become space biologists and embark on a voyage of discovery by growing seeds that have been kept hundreds of miles above the earth.
The Rocket Science project, launched by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, aims to inspire pupils to find out more about careers in STEM subjects whilst teaching them to understand the components of good plant growth.
In September 2015, 2kg of rocket seeds were flown up to the International Space Station where they will spend several months in microgravity alongside Tim Peake (British Astronaut), before returning to earth in March. 10,000 UK schools, including some of Hampshire’s own, will receive 100 seeds from the space mission to grow alongside others that have not been to space, and measure the differences between them over a number of weeks. However, the pupils will remain in the dark about which seeds are which until they are analysed by professional biostatisticians and published in an online report.
We are delighted to see that some of Hampshire’s schools are getting involved in the campaign, including Berrywood Primary, Rockwood Primary, St Swithun’s Junior School and The Pilgrims’ Pre-Prep. Happy planting to all of the schools involved and we look forward to seeing the results!
A display will be featured at the Chelsea Flower Show in the Discovery Zone in the pavilion. But for now, you can find out more on the project by clicking here.