At the University of Glasgow and Lancaster, researchers are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of plant scientists by developing educational resources aimed at making plant science curriculum more engaging and interactive for classroom learning.
The Sci-Seedlets project, spearheaded by a multidisciplinary team from the University of Glasgow, aims to educate school-age children about the significance of plant physiology and plant science research. They achieve this through a combination of traditional and digital STEM-based educational resources, including an interactive game resource recently launched at Knightswood Primary School in Glasgow.
The newly developed Sci-Seedlets educational kits for classrooms incorporate a blend of traditional experimental methods, interactive gaming elements, and digital STEM resources to enhance learning outcomes for students. These resources are designed to be sustainable, accessible, and affordable, providing insights into plant science research and its global importance by drawing on research conducted at the University of Glasgow. The ultimate goal is to empower educators to teach plant science effectively, thereby influencing children’s future career choices by highlighting the potential of plant science.
Over the past decade, the Sci-Seedlets project has evolved through cross-disciplinary partnerships to better understand engagement and learning needs. The team has actively participated in science festivals, conducted school trials, workshops, and collaborated with teachers to share resources. These efforts have resulted in the translation of resources into multiple languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish, making them accessible to over 20,000 people and educators worldwide.
The project’s flagship virtual game, “Thaliana: Quest for Gene X,” developed in collaboration with Human-Computer Interaction scientists at Lancaster University, immerses children in the world of plant science. Through interactive gameplay, children can perform virtual molecular plant experiments, explore plant science laboratories, and unlock fascinating facts about plants, sparking their curiosity and improving their knowledge.
By gamifying plant science, the team hopes to inspire children worldwide to learn about the importance of molecular plant research in developing strategies to address global food and water security challenges.
Dr. Rucha Karnik, Senior Royal Society University Research Fellow and Sci-Seedlets project lead at the University of Glasgow, expressed excitement about the project’s development and its potential to foster a fascination for plant science among young learners.
Mrs. Rhona Martin, Principal Teacher at Knightswood Primary School in Glasgow, emphasized the project’s potential to spark public interest in plants and empower younger generations to pursue plant science.
Dr. Abe Karnik, Senior Lecturer in HCI at Lancaster University and developer of Thaliana, highlighted the project’s unique opportunity to make complex science accessible and engaging for a young audience through interactive game design.
The Sci-Seedlets project receives support from various sources, including the SMB, MVLS Innovation team, funding from BBSRC, The Royal Society, Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Funding, and the University of Glasgow.
