GLANYMOR BROWNIES in Llanelli are taking part in a national experiment and research being carried out by the Royal Horticultural Society with a view to determining whether plants can be grown on Mars.
The children have planted a hundred ‘Rocket Seeds’ that have been on the International Space Station with astronaut Tim Peake.
They have also planted a hundred seeds that haven’t been in space, so they can determine whether keeping seeds in zero gravity makes a difference to the quality of seeds.
The Brownies’ group leader Joe Yeo said that she had seen the project online and decided to apply to take part. She said that she was thrilled when the Royal Horticultural Society replied and approved her request.
Pupils will monitor the growth of the seeds, and take regular measurements of the seedlings so that any differences between ‘space’ and ‘earth’ seeds can be analysed. Each seedling will have a letter and number code. Pupils will take 9 measurements over 35 days collecting data as instructed on germination, growth, leaf count and plant height at frequent intervals.
Randomisation is a key element of the experiment process to ensure that the data is unbiased. A simple explanation of how to achieve this will be provided in the Teachers’ Pack. The data can quickly be recorded on the Rocket Science wall chart in the classroom and the experiment booklet, and entered at a later date on the data collection website following instructions that will be provided.
After all the data has been collected, the results will be analysed by professional statisticians.
Leading scientists from the RHS and European Space Agency will interpret the results and draw possible conclusions.
An online report will also be made available on the RHS Campaign for School Gardening website from September 2016.
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