Ridgeway School students grow seeds from outer space

Seeds that have been in outer space are being grown by students at Ridgeway School in Plympton.

One hundred of the rocket seeds have been into outer space on the international space station. However the students don’t know which 100 seeds out of 200 they have been sent have taken this amazing journey.

The students will now grow the seeds in the school greenhouse to see if any of the seeds mutate or grow differently.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday students from years 7, 8 and 9 will rotate the seed trays 180 degrees and water them and note any changes or mutations in the growth of the plants.

“The experiment will last until the end of term and then our findings will be sent to the European space agency,” said Jim Strachan, Head of Academic Progress for Years 8 & 9.

“We find out which seeds went into space when it is announced in the last week of term. This is an amazing project for our students and anyone who has taken part in the experiment can claim they are a space biologist. It is awesome to handle something that has been into outer space on the space station. “

All the students taking part in the experiment agree that it’s a great experience.

“I am really enjoying the experiment already and it feels great to take part in something for the European Space Agency,” said Jasmine Paige Methven.

Jordan Hobbs is looking forward to seeing what the plants do. “I am really excited to see how the plants mutate. I really hope they do.”

Natasha Barber said, “It’s going to be fascinating to see what impact the radiation has on the seeds. I can’t wait.”