As part of our Year 8 Science course students undertake a mini Scientific Research Task, an exercise implemented to improve and facilitate scientific writing skills. Mini-research is not limited to practicing writing skills but also trains students to communicate their writing in a scientific presentation and provides a ‘field study’ experience.
This year students planted peas, measuring their growth (in cms) under two conditions, one in the greenhouse, the other in an open field garden plot. Both research groups were undertaken at the School’s biodynamic farm. The project, a collaboration between Science teachers and Farm staff, has seen students set up trials testing the effects of biodynamic and conventional soil treatments.
In the field trial, students prepared and planted two garden areas separated into biodynamic, control and NPK treatments. The biodynamic treatments used a compost known as cow pat pit (sometimes called manure concentrate), the control had no treatment and the conventional had a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertiliser added. Lachie ran a pot trial in the greenhouse, in which small groups each planted three pots, biodynamic, control and NPK.
The trial encouraged students to deepen their understanding of scientific research methods and design. They were able to consider the various limitations of the trial and measure, observe (and taste) the results of the research. To sweeten the experience, students also had a chance to forage amongst the mandarins and other citrus.
There were some challenges along the way. Rodents ate almost all of the seeds in one of the field trials and strong winds blew over the nursery pots. But the trial produced some interesting results.
In the pot trial, the NPK treatment increased growth significantly above the other treatments. In the field trial, the biodynamic treatment produced slightly better growth to the NPK and plants had a more upright growth pattern.
Biodynamics works with growth forces in the soil and atmosphere to create balanced growth and plants that are nutritious and disease resistant. The conventional approach is akin to force-feeding the plants. It can result in greater growth in the short term but also leads to poor soil conditions and plants that require continual inputs, as well as ongoing pest and disease management.
Andrew Carter
Teacher, Primary Industries and Agriculture
Farm Manager