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Project overview

Virtually all of the Tomatosphere Project materials are available on this website. This includes detailed information for the teacher as well as a large number of student activities.

There are three areas of focus based on the curriculum for the different grades. Each of these areas of focus is dealt with separately in the teacher’s guide. The germination component remains the central element of Tomatosphere; however the focus of studies varies depending upon the grade level.

• For grades 2-4, the focus is on plants;
• For grades 5-7, the focus areas involve habitats, weather and space exploration;
• For grades 8-10, the focus is on space, the environment and sustainability.
• Nutrition is a component which spans many of the grades and is one of the key areas of study in the new optional units of study.
• Many of the components are interchangeable and individual sections may be modified to meet the needs of individual students or for different grade levels.

How long does it take?

The seed planting will take 40 – 60 minutes using the instructions following as a guide to prepare for the planting. (What do I need to do beforehand?)

After planting the seeds, student will observe, measure and record their observations related to the emergence of the seedlings. This takes about five minutes per day and should be done on a regular basis. Every day is best, but every other day could work if timetables do not allow daily observation.

The germination portion of the project takes approximately three or four weeks, but the first evidence of germination may emerge very quickly after planting due to the use of priming in 2012 and 2013. It is suggested that the seeds be planted on a Wednesday or Thursday; the peat pots should be watered or misted before leaving on Friday and again on Monday. Later, the plants may be transplanted depending upon local conditions.

What do I need to do beforehand?

Go to the "Exploring Space - Read Me First" section in the teacher's guide. This contains an overview of the Mission to Mars and space exploration and provides links to reading activities that are grade appropriate. This will set the stage well for the Tomatosphere Project as an integral part of a study of plants or space.

Helpful teacher information is found in the "Background Information for Teachers" section. Topics are varied and include the following:

• Why Choose Tomatoes?
• What is Energy?
• Light and Photosynthesis
• Greenhouses
• Energy Pathways
• Space Travel
• Mars data

For the teacher, an excellent starting point for "the basics" is the "Tips 'n Tricks" section containing topics like "Conducting the Experiment", "Germination" and "Recording and Reporting Results". We would like to emphasize that this is a “starting point” and that the real flavour of the project can be attained by full use of the teacher’s guide that provides a myriad of opportunities for student activities and presents the teacher with many materials to enhance the project for the students.

Although the curriculum links in the teacher's guide are specific to certain grades, the three groupings provide opportunities to use the Tomatosphere Project in a range of grades, from 2-10, with different areas of focus within the three groupings. Each grade has a "principal investigation" as the focus for the activity. However, there are other areas of interest such as tomatoes, soil and energy and the appropriate curriculum connections and assessment rubrics.

Purchase your peat pellets. Stokes Seeds is a partner in the Tomatosphere Project and they offer a Tomatosphere "package", available online at www.stokeseeds.com or by telephone at 1-800-396-9238. You can also purchase your peat pots locally. You will need 80 peat pots for each class that you registered. You will receive two packages of seeds, each containing approximately 40 seeds of each seed treatment involved in the experiment. You can purchase a tray for the peat pots with a clear plastic roof, creating an instant greenhouse. Be careful of an excess accumulation of moisture (humidity) that may lead to fungus growing on the soil. Simple daily ventilation of the "greenhouse" will alleviate this problem.

Plan the timing of the experiment. You can start anytime after receiving the seeds. However, your colleagues have provided some suggestions to help with your planning; these include:

• it is a good idea to plant in the middle of the week because it usually takes 5-7 days for the first seeds to germinate. You will want your students to see this taking place. (note that the germination of one of the groups may take place MUCH sooner due to the priming process)
• try to avoid school breaks such as the traditional "March break" or religious holidays while the germination process is taking place.

Review the "Scientific Method" with your students. This is illustrated and explained well in each of the grade groupings on the web site. A transparency master is provided which you can copy for the students.

Arrange for a location for the peat pellets.

How do I conduct the experiment?

Details about the experiment are included on the "Conducting the Tomatosphere Experiment" page, or you can visit the teacher's guide for more detail.

What information do I collect for reporting?

Note that the data collection for 2012 and 2013 has been changed!

Details about the recording and reporting procedures are found in the "Recording and reporting your results" page - or you can visit the teacher's guide section for the appropriate grade and obtain details at the two parts following the experiment - "Observations, Collecting and Recording your Data" and "Reporting your Results".

Follow-up

If the plants remain healthy, they may be transplanted into the garden, depending upon local conditions. Details are found on the "Transplanting" page in the Tips and Tricks, and in the teacher's guide. The section on transplanting is listed as an "Extension Idea" following "The Experiment" at each of the grade level.