Frequently asked administrative questions

  1. I have a problem related to the implementation of project in my classroom. Who do I contact? How do I get my problem resolved?
  2. I home school my child. Can I be involved in Tomatosphere?
  3. I have a grade 12 class that I think could benefit from certain aspects of the program. Can I be involved, even though the grade level is up to grade 10?
  4. I am a family studies/home economics teacher. Can I register my class for this project?
  5. The information on the web site is for CANADIAN schools. My class is not in Canada. Can I still register?
  6. What happens after I submit my results?

1. I have a problem related to the implementation of project in my classroom. Who do I contact? How do I get my problem resolved?

The Tomatosphere Project provides curriculum materials that are clear and easy to implement.

If the Project Manager detects a problem, all participants are contacted directly by e-mail with clarification or changes to specifications. For example, each year the treatment of the seeds changes and this information is conveyed to registered teachers via a mass e-mail system. This is the reason that a valid and accurate e-mail address is required in the registration process.

If YOU have a problem that is not answered on the web site, you can e-mail your concern or question to the Project Manager. The Project Manager is a part-time employee of the Tomatosphere Project; however, in most cases, questions will be answered within 48 hours.

Please send enquiries to the Project Manager using our online contact form. Alternatively, if the situation is urgent, teachers can call 905-627-3685 and leave a message.

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2. I home school my child. Can I be involved in Tomatosphere?

Home schoolers are encouraged to work with others in the area and combine to form a "small class" that can be involved. This will ensure that our seeds and other peripherals are utilized to the best advantage for the project budget. It also provides an opportunity for students (home-schooled) to work in a group environment and to be involved in a team approach, much like the environment in which Astronauts and other scientists work.

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3. I have a grade 12 class that I think could benefit from certain aspects of the program. Can I be involved, even though the grade level is up to grade 10?

The curriculum-based activities for the Tomatosphere Project are based on the Pan-Canadian Curriculum guidelines for science. The curriculum links are BEST for grades 3-6 and grades 9-10. However, if your class would benefit from this program, please register as a grade 10 class.

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4. I am a family studies/home economics teacher. Can I register my class for this project?

The Tomatosphere Project focuses on science - biology, space, energy. However, we recognize that the project will be of interest to teachers in other areas as well, particularly those teachers teaching about the applications of science, including environmental studies, nutrition, and social studies. The curriculum connections and the assessment suggestions focus on science; consequently, teachers in other disciplines will have to create their own assessment instruments. The new units developed for phase three of Tomatosphere (2008-2010) will have connections to nutrition, careers and environmental studies.

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5. The information on the web site is for CANADIAN schools. My class is not in Canada. Can I still register?

Certainly. However, you should be aware that there may be some complications involved. First, the materials are provided ONLY in English and in French, Canada's two official languages. Secondly, the seeds are mailed out in February and they may take longer to reach you by mail. Another complication involves restrictions on importation of seeds; some countries may stop the importation of seeds... for a variety of reasons.

The registration form allows for international registration. Teachers outside of Canada should use the International section of the registration form.

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6. What happens after I submit my results?

First... let us emphasize that we wish the TEACHER to submit the results. Because there is some project evaluation involved in the submission process, it is appropriate for the TEACHER to do this part of the project. After the TEACHER has submitted the results, they are tabulated with other classes involved in the project and the average germination rates will be available for all classes. At the same time, teachers will receive an automated response with the identification of the types of seeds used in the project (control group or treated group) AND a certificate signed by CSA Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk, and the lead scientist in the study, Dr. Michael Dixon, from the University of Guelph. The certificate can be copied for each of the students in the class.

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