STUDENTS at schools around Worcestershire have become space biologists.

Youngsters from schools including Tudor Grange Academy Worcester, Westacre Middle School, in Droitwich, and Nunnery Wood Primary School have embarked on a voyage of discovery by growing seeds that have been into space with astronaut Tim Peake.

The British astronaut took 2kg of seeds to the International Space Station as part of the Rocket Science project.

The project will see thousands of pupils across the country comparing rocket plants they've grown from seeds that have stayed on earth with those grown from the seeds that have been taken into space and sent back.

However, the children will not know which seeds are which until after the seven-week experiment.

The idea is for children to learn how science in space contributes to our knowledge of life on earth and to understand the difficulties surrounding growing fresh food in challenging climates.

Samantha Roach, the school's principal, said: “We are very excited to be taking part in Rocket Science.

"We have one set each of blue and red seeds and one is growing much better than the other!

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

" Our committed STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) club meets weekly to work on projects and learn more about the STEM subjects in a real world context."

Paul Barber, from Westacre Middle School, said: "It is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our pupils to be involved in such an international investigation.

"The children involved have really been inspired and should be congratulated on their efforts so far.

"As a school, we are keen to stress the importance of all areas of the curriculum, and, in this particular area, are proud of the work being done in our school allotment area, that is being used in Science lessons at the moment.

"We are also excited about upcoming work we are doing in the community alongside Fortis Living.

"The sense of achievement such projects brings is invaluable to our children."

The educational project was launched by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and the UK Space Agency.