 Interactive
Primary Newsletter 32Let there be light & Fungus features |
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Living things and the Processes of Life
SAPS Sponsorship
PIPS Light Bank
- Growing plants under controlled conditions is often a problem for teachers
in primary schools. Most plants grow more successfully with a good light
source. Indeed, SAPS fast plants require a constant, appropriate
light source. Given this, all the additional pampering they
need is a little water. The complete life cycle of fast plants takes place in
only six
Figure 1 - PIPS Light bank Whilst the PIPS light bank may upset the purist because of its small light
output, we can
Figure 2 - Growing plants The photographs above show such a light bank in the working environment of a local primary school. The teacher who trialled the light bank was delighted with the plant growth and the ease with which pupils could look after and observe the plants. Pupils from P1 to P7 were involved in the trial. There is not much more to say about an open box with an array of fluorescent tubes except that it is reasonably priced, does not take up much space, is easily moved and has been found to be a helpful addition to classroom work.
Figure 3 - Light unit Figure 4 - Home-made lightbank To return to our own roots, i.e. making equipment in-house, here are a few
photographs of a hand made light box comprising Dexion framing and two banks
of 60 cm fluorescent lamps. Sponsorship of £100 towards the cost of a light bank is available to schools from SAPS, Homerton College, Cambridge CB2 2PH. Telephone 01223 507168. Once the application is approved, SAPS will order a light bank from PIPS who will then despatch it directly to the school with an invoice for the balance. Application forms can be printed by accessing the larger images from the thumbnails below:
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weeks. Pupils can observe each stage of plant growth from germination
through flowering to seed setting within that short time. We are often asked
if there is a commercially available light bank for the primary classroom.
Until about a year ago we were unaware of any suitable light banks. Recently,
however, we have found a small company called
report
that it works and works well. The box is constructed from melamine-faced
chipboard, has double 60 cm fluorescent lamps and two sturdy carrying handles.
The dimensions (W690 mm x D460 mm x H590 mm) allow the box to be placed on a
table or bench top and offer a good height for viewing. Fast plants need to be
placed close to the light source when newly seeded. Therefore the seed
containers need to be raised towards the light (Figs. 1 & 2). 
