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 Scenario
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!
There is a problem with one of the bins.
The astronauts go outside to find out what is wrong.
One of the bins has a small hole in it.
Oh no! That bin has the tomato seeds inside!
The astronauts were going to plant the tomato seeds when they got to Mars.
The astronauts fix the hole in the bin.
There may still be a problem.
The tomato seeds got very cold and had no air!
The astronauts now wonder how well the seeds will grow when they get to Mars.
Download:
Scenario Storyboard
Use the ready-made Scenario Storyboard and have students create illustrations to accompany the storyboard text.
Download:
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
Predicting
- Seed Investigation - Predict-Compare-Share (pdf)
- What do tomato seeds need to grow? - I Predict Chart (pdf)
Observing
- Seed Investigation - Q+Q Observations (pdf)
- Observation Pass with Words and Pictures (pdf)
- Five Senses Observation (pdf)
Using Appropriate Vocabulary
- Vocabulary Evolution - Planting Seeds (pdf)
- Vocabulary Evolution - Tomato Plant Life Cycle (pdf)
- Key Concept Exploration - Germination (pdf)
Displaying Data
- Seed Investigation - Daily Germination Table (pdf)
- Seed Investigation - Germination by Seed Type Bar Graph (pdf)
Recording
Extend the Investigation
Suggested Investigation Questions
- 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?
Find Lesson Plans
