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.
Tomato Trouble Flesch-Kincaid reading ease score = 75.1, reading level = grade 6 An Orion spacecraft is heading to Mars. Attached to the outside of the spacecraft are several containers. In the containers are supplies and equipment. The temperature and pressure in the containers is similar those in the spacecraft. The astronauts suddenly hear an alarm... Full Scenario: pdf doc
An Orion spacecraft is heading to Mars. Attached to the outside of the spacecraft are several containers. In the containers are supplies and equipment. The temperature and pressure in the containers is similar those in 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 7 (Sec. I)
Grade 8 (Sec. II)
Grade 9 (Sec. III)
Cycling of Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
Introduction to Photosynthesis
Needs of Plants and Plant Growth
Seed Germination
Human Uses of Plants in Space
Physical Characteristics of Mars
Space Plant Research