Seed Investigation - Step-by-step Guide
One way to kick off the Tomatosphere™ Seed Investigation is by presenting students with a fictional scenario that provides an explanation as to why some tomato seeds might have been exposed to space or space-like conditions.
What could happen to the tomato seeds? Flesch-Kincaid reading ease score = 63, reading level = grade 8.5 An Orion spacecraft with astronauts aboard is heading to Mars. On the outside of the spacecraft are several storage units for supplies and other important equipment. The stowage units are sealed and have pressure and temperature conditions similar to those inside the spacecraft. The astronauts suddenly hear an alarm... Full Scenario: pdf doc
An Orion spacecraft with astronauts aboard is heading to Mars. On the outside of the spacecraft are several storage units for supplies and other important equipment. The stowage units are sealed and have pressure and temperature conditions similar to those inside the spacecraft.
The astronauts suddenly hear an alarm...
Full Scenario:
The Tomatosphere™ Seed Investigation provides many opportunities for students to develop inquiry skills. Below are some quick links to ready-to-use templates that students can use when they participate in the Seed Investigation. More templates, as well as Learning Strategies and Skill Look-Fors can be found in the Inquiry Section.
Skill: Planning
Skill: Predicting
Skill: Observing
Skill: Using Appropriate Vocabulary
Skill: Displaying Data
Inquiry Guide
Are there any differences in growth and vigour between the plants from the two seed treatments? How does the quantity of water affect plant growth? How does the application of fertilizer affect plant growth? How does the duration of light affect the time for tomato fruit to reach maturity? How do different types of light (e.g., natural light, fluorescent light bulbs, black light, etc.) affect plant growth?
Concept
Grade 10 (Sec. IV)
Grade 11
Grade 12
Cycling of Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
Introduction to Photosynthesis
Plant Tissue Structure and Function
Plant Processes
Seed Germination
Physical Characteristics of Mars
Space Plant Research