"I think the biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology. A new era is beginning" (Steve Jobs).
In the future there will be an increasing demand for employees with an education at the intersection of biology and technology. The V E R Y D I S C O Plant Rover is one application in this area. A mobile LED unit to do plant research for profile projects, among other things. Oscar Romero in Hoorn is the first to use it!
The flashing LED carts for experiments with plants are part of a project of the West Frisian municipalities, in collaboration with Seed Valley and Greenport NHN. The 'Nature’s Talent’ project consists of activities that connect pupils and students with career opportunities at the intersection of plants and technology.
The V E R Y D I S C O Plant Rover was designed to challenge students to create their profile projects on plants. Depending on the self-chosen experiment different colors of LEDs are mounted and equipped with timers to adjust the circadian rhythm. Students can, for example, study the influence of the wavelength (= color) of light on plant growth. Or the effect of the day length on the development of flower buds. Or follow the spread of a virus through the plant. But the stress reaction of plants to salt water or vegetable cultivation on the planet Mars can also be simulated in the cart.
Schools in West Friesland can reserve a Plant Rover free of charge. Plant material can be included. This project was made possible by the municipalities Drechterland, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Koggenland, Medemblik, Opmeer and Stede Broec. The project management is in the hands of Development Agency NHN.
source: Seed Valley