In January this year British European Space Agency astronaut Tim Peake sent a special video message to schools from the ISS across the country, inviting them to help with this unique space food mission. Major Peake has been capturing the hearts and minds of pupils throughout the UK, inspiring them by sending messages and tweets to schools on Earth, engaging in the Cosmic Classroom live Q & A, and being chased by a space gorilla (actually US astronaut Scott Kelly).
This April, children and young people across the country will embark on a 35-day voyage of discovery to find out what growing plants in space can teach humanity about life on Earth and whether human life can be sustained in space in the future. Results will be collected and analysed by biostatisticians and published later in 2016, feeding into the real life work taking place in space science research.
“This is a thrilling week for us as well as children and young people up and down the country as they come a step closer to receiving their very special Rocket Science seeds, and taking part in this unique project,” said Claire Custance, RHS skills development manager. “We are very excited to be able to work with the UK Space Agency to engage so many young people in horticulture and science.”
Pupils of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in the initiative. To register for Rocket Science, schools and organisations will be asked to either log into the RHS Campaign for School Gardening website or become a member of the Campaign. Membership is free and includes many benefits, including a free welcome pack.
Visit schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk or contact [email protected] for more information.
