16 Apr 2010
Over one hundred VWO students from the Bonhoeffercollege in Castricum, two biology teachers and 12 scientists from Wageningen University have launched the PlantingScience project in Holland following the success of a similar project in the USA.
PlantingScience is a learning and research resource that brings together students, teachers and plant scientists online. The PlantingScience website was developed in the USA to support research projects from secondary school students and stimulate dialogue between students, biology teachers and scientists.
Many secondary school students carry out research into plants. By joining PlantingSciences they can benefit from guidance by a scientist. Students in the project also learn how to work as scientists by discussing their own questions, presenting their results and giving each other feedback. The goal is to enable a better understanding of how scientists work.
 In addition to being an introduction to science, the project also teaches students skills such as data analysis, communication, the use of technology and problem solving. It is also an excellent way to inspire a future generation of scientists.
The PlantingScience project was developed four years ago by the Botanical Society of America on behalf of the American National Academy of Sciences. Hundreds of American secondary schools participate in the project every semester.
“The technological and bio-technological applications that result from plant science are already an important cornerstone of the Dutch economy,” says Professor Jaap Bakker of the Laboratory of Nematology of Wageningen University. “PlantingScience introduces students to this dynamic research and its impact at an early stage.”
Arjan de Graaf of the Bonhoeffercollege in Castricum is also enthusiastic. “The PlantingScience project is an interesting way for VWO students to utilise the free segment in their General Natural Sciences programme this spring.” According to De Graaf, working within PlantingSciences could also serve as the foundation for a good end-project in the students’ exam year.
Edith Jonker is project leader of PlantingScience in Holland. Jonker: “In the coming years the Dutch branch of the project is planning to develop a network of Dutch and international students who will help each other in their research projects via peer reviews.”
The Dutch website for the PlantingScience project not fully ready as yet. In the meantime, students, teachers and scientists can access and use the facilities the website offers.
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