Sowing the seeds of a scientific experiment

OLDHAM pupils are preparing to become space biologists by growing seeds that are out of this world.

Knowsley Junior, Hathershaw College and Oasis Academy Oldham are among the borough’s schools taking part in the Rocket Science Programme.

British Astronaut Tim Peake is keeping 2kg of seeds in micro gravity during his stay on the International Space Station and more than 10,000 schools will receive a packet of them on his return, to grow them alongside seeds that haven’t been in space.

Pupils will measure the differences over seven weeks — but won’t know which packet contains which seeds until results have been collected by the Royal Horticultural Society Campaign for School Gardening and analysed.

The experiment aims to to get children thinking about how we can live on another planet. It will help them consider what astronauts need to survive long-term missions and how we can grow fresh food in space.