Growing the future: becoming a plant researcher

Recently, 24 students from One Sixth Form and Abbeygate Sixth Form took part in the sustainability competition run by the University of Essex, School of Biological Sciences. Students were in 16 teams across both colleges, studying both A-level Biology and A-level Geography.

Students used an online platform to manipulate light recipes over one week, deciding themselves on the energy input (light intensity) and the light spectrum (colours) to use to grow their pea plants. The winner was decided based on highest growth achieved over the week at the lowest energy input.

Congratulations to Ella Beresford, Year 12 Biology student at One, won a mini hydroponics system for her light recipe.

Ella said: "I decided to take part in the project because I thought that it seemed really interesting and that it would be beneficial for me to develop my knowledge and skills. This was because it involved me needing to be aware of ongoing research and how different light combinations affect plant growth, allowing me to contribute to the project.  I also thought that being involved with this project and completing the research would really help me with my ongoing A Level Biology studies. I really enjoyed being able to see the progress that my peas were making whenever I pleased. 

"I also enjoyed being able to have the opportunity to alter the light being absorbed by my peas whenever I wanted. Both of these reasons made the project feel very personal to me. I have definitely gained some new knowledge on how different combinations of light can affect the growth of plants both positively and negatively."