YOUNG space biologists at Somerfords' Walter Powell School are undertaking a project to grow seeds that have been in space.

Two kilograms of rocket seeds were flown to the International Space Station last year in September where the seeds spent several months in microgravity before returning to Earth in March.

The seeds were sent as part of an educational project launched by the Royal Horticultural Society Campaign for School Gardening and the UK Space Agency.

Somerfords' Walter Powell is one of up to 10,000 schools to receive a packet of 100 seeds from space, which they will grow alongside seeds that haven't been to space and measure the differences over seven weeks.

The children do not know which seed packet contained which seeds until all results have been collected by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and analysed by professional biostatisticians.

The out-of-this-world, nationwide science experiment will enable children to think about how human life can be preserved on another planet in the future, what astronauts need to survive in long-term missions in space and the difficulties of growing fresh food in challenging climates.

Lisa Shibley, the key stage two teacher, said: “We are very excited to be taking part in Rocket Science.

"This experiment is a fantastic way of teaching our children to think more scientifically and share their findings with the whole School."

Follow the project on Twitter: @RHSSchools #RocketScience

Somerfords’ Walter Powell School are holding an Open Day on Wednesday, June 15 from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. If you would like to learn more about the village school call 01249 720797 or emailadmin@walterpowell.wilts.sch.uk .