My students are inquisitive and thrive on knowing that their learning has a purpose. When they first heard about the Tomatosphere project, they were immediately interested and ready to start right away. The idea of hands-on learning that has real-world application was fascinating to them, and the fact that the tomato seeds for this project have been to the International Space Station...the cherry on top!
The seeds are provided by the Tomatosphere project, but my young scientists still need all of the other materials to grow their plants.
The plant light bank, seed starters, and peat pots will be vital in helping the students set up an appropriate growing environment for their experiment. Once everything is set up, students will be able to make observations, collect and analyze data, and share their results just as real scientists would. In the future, interested students may also use this plant light bank to explore the impact of other variables on plant growth to extend their learning even further.
More about Tomatosphere: "Each classroom is sent two packages of tomato seeds. One package contains seeds that have been sent into space and the other package contains “control” seeds, which have been kept on Earth. Through the Tomatosphere™ project, students will learn how to conduct a scientific experiment and compare the germination rates of the two groups of seeds. Tomatosphere™ relies on a “blind test” in which educators and students will not know which of the two packages are the “space” seeds and which are control seeds until the germination process is complete and results have been submitted."
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Sherman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.