Example Scenario
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
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. There is a problem with one of the containers outside. The astronauts go for a spacewalk to see what is wrong. They find that one of the containers has a hole in it. It has been hit by a tiny meteorite. The astronauts cover up the hole but realize that it is the container that holds the tomato seeds needed for the greenhouses on Mars.
The seeds have been exposed to the space environment for several days. The seeds are now very cold and have had not air. Yikes! The astronauts wonder if the seeds will still be able to grow when they get to Mars.
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Templates
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. They are organized by skill.
Planning
- Seed Investigation - Planning Steps Organizer (pdf)
- Seed Investigation - 5Ws and an H Inquiry Planning (pdf)
Predicting
Observing
Using Appropriate Vocabulary
- Seed Investigation: Key Concept Exploration - Germination (pdf)
- Seed Investigation: Vocabulary Preview (pdf)
Displaying Data
Extend the Investigation
Suggested Investigation Questions
- 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?
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