Student resources
Many teachers have asked for links that their students may investigate on-line for information about a variety of topics related to the Tomatosphere Project. The following information is for the use of the teacher to direct students to appropriate links for further information, activities or research associated with Tomatosphere.
One of the best and most comprehensive STUDENT-oriented web sites is that of the Canadian Space Agency. It offers a wide range of information for students in both official languages. There are two sections on the web site for "kids" (ages 6-8) and "youth/students" (ages 9-17 +) as well as a myriad of information in general about space and the Canadian contribution to the space program.
The kids section contains great animation and colouring books on Dextre, Phoenix and Radarsat-2 for younger students.
Students can learn about astronauts - especially Canadian astronauts - at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronauts/
Canada's "connection" to the International Space Station is explained in detail for both students and educators at www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/iss/
Destination Mars, a multimedia production with the collaboration of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) of McGill University, and the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec as part of the "Étalez votre science" program (Expand your knowledge) is available at www.mars.bw.qc.ca/index_en.php
NASA has an excellent web site with information about many space-related topics including Mars and agriculture:
- www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/
- There is also a site on Mars for kids at marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/funzone_flash.html
The University of Arizona (in cooperation with NASA) has developed some excellent student activities - all backed up with teacher resources and background material on a variety of topics including the scientific process and building a very simple rocket, mapping the surface of Mars and "Getting Dirty on Mars":
The Space Science Institute has a variety of student activities, from primary through secondary school:
Heinz offers some online resources that are sure to inform or provide some fun for students.
- For information about Heinz Seeds, which are used exclusively in Heinz Ketchup and other tomato-based products, visit www.heinzseed.com.
- To test knowledge of tomato trivia, check out the "Fun Facts" in the Heinz Kids section at http://www.heinzitup.com/funfacts.asp.
- To challenge virtual tomato-squishing skills, play "Tomatomania" in the Heinz Kids section at www.heinzitup.com/heinzkidz.asp.
Tomatosphere is sponsored by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Space Agency, Heinz Canada Ltd, HeinzSeed, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Stokes Seeds and the University of Guelph.
