Before you begin the Tomatosphere experiment
Plan the timing for the project carefully. You can start any time after receiving the seeds; however, your colleagues have noted that it is a good idea to plant late in the week - Wednesday or Thursday. It usually takes 5-7 days for the first seeds to germinate - and you will want your students to see this taking place. Try to avoid school breaks such as the traditional "March break" or religious holidays early in the process.
Review the "Please Read Me First" section on the web site and the background section if you need additional information about the project, space, farming in space or the scientific method.
View the "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" on the web site. Over the years, the project has accumulated questions asked by teachers and has presented the responses in this section.
Plan your location for the experiment. "The Experiment" section of the teacher's guide or the “Conducting the Tomatosphere Experiment” in the Tips ‘n Tricks provide suggestions about locations for your peat pots to assist in the germination process.
Read some of the "Hints from your Colleagues" for some insights into practical classroom situations which arose during the experiment, and how teachers have adjusted their processes to compensate and make this an even better experience for their students.
Consider inviting the media to your classroom to cover the project to see the results of the students' work. Opportunities for good photographs with the students occur when the seeds have just germinated or when the plants are ready for transplanting.
Inform the parents/guardians about the project using the suggested letter to be sent home with the students, or include the letter in a school newsletter.
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.
