Tomatosphere Culminating Mission to Mars

Next goal: sending humans to Mars in 2030s. How is Distance Earth-Moon compared to Distance Earth- Mars ? Distance Earth-Moon < Distance Earth-Mars One-way trip: Takes 3 daysTakes 9 months To support crew members for such long mission to Mars, we need to be able to grow plants on Mars. Why do you think this is the space program’s objective? Write down your thoughts here:

Growing tomato on Mars- What am I wondering? How do we grow them on Mars under such harsh conditions? Is the type of soil on Mars works for growing tomatoes? Is there even soil on Mars? Do we have to bring our from Earth? Would tomatoes change color over time? Would tomatoes able to adapt? Do we need a greenhouse? Where do we get the water? Why tomatoes?

Physical needs Food Water Oxygen Recycle the CO 2 exhaled by the astronauts Psychological needs Caring for something reduces psychological stresses from -Long term confinement -Isolation -Restricted personal space -boredom

Experimental design Magnified tomato seeds In this activity we will aim to grow tomato seeds that have been treated in space/space-like conditions: Seeds been exposed to extremely cold temperatures (-80 o C), and very low atmospheric pressure (almost a vacuum) Seeds NOT been exposed to anything other than normal atmospheric pressure and temperature on Earth = Experimental group = Control group Is that enough for experimental design? How do we know if the independent variable has any affect?

Forming question of investigation e.g. How will the extreme environment affect the seeds that will be used to grow tomatoes on Mars? Critique the above question. How can we improve it? HOW WILL SPACE LIKE ENVIRONMENT (-80oC AND LOW PRESSURE) AFFECT HOW MANY SEEDS WILL GERMINATE?

What is Germination? For purposes of this experiment, a seed can be considered to have successfully germinated when two (2) distinctly separate cotyledons (embryonic leaves) can be seen. Germination = two leaves A process by which a seed changes into a seedling with leaves, stem and roots.

Conditions Necessary for Germination

Planting Medium: peat pellets peat pots One seed per pot. Total pots per group?

Monitor the germination conditions Seeds must be kept moist, but not wet – use a spray bottle Germinating seeds prefer a moderately warm uniform temperature. Ensure that all seeds are germinated under identical conditions = controlled factors Avoid direct sunlight.

Observe and record Detailed and carefully recorded observations are essential to completing a successful experiment You will set up an observation chart for your data Observations will be recorded daily

Your teacher has decided your partner(s) for this project You must work together to come up with: 1.A question or purpose 2.A hypothesis with a brief explanation 3.A procedure 4.A table for your observations What to do?

Switch to planning sheet

The end.

Inquiry extension 1.Why tomato plants? 2. How can plants in general be able to consume the CO 2 emitted by crew members?

Why tomato plants? They : provide oxygen consume CO 2 and purify water. Their fruits are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.