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.
Use this ready-made Scenario Storyboard and have students create illustrations to accompany the storyboard text.
Tomato Trouble Flesch-Kincaid reading ease score = 89.7 reading level = grade 4.6 A spaceship is going to Mars. Inside the spaceship are astronauts. The spaceship carries important supplies in bins. The bins are on the outside of the spaceship. Suddenly an alarm rings! Full Scenario: pdf doc
A spaceship is going to Mars. Inside the spaceship are astronauts. The spaceship carries important supplies in bins. The bins are on the outside of the spaceship. Suddenly an alarm rings!
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: Displaying Data
Skill: Recording
Skill: Using Appropriate Vocabulary
Inquiry Guide
Are there any differences in growth (height, number of leaves) between the plants from the two seed treatments? How does the amount of water affect plant growth? How does the amount (duration) of light affect plant growth? How does the watering schedule affect plant growth? How does the type of soil affect plant growth?
Concept
K
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Daily and Seasonal Changes and the Effects on Plants
Characteristics of Living Things
Needs of Living Things
Characteristics of Plants
Life Cycle of Plants
Interactions between Living Things and Plants in Their Environment
Careers in Plant Science
Earth and Space - Solar System