Whiteville Elementary School Students Learn About Seed Germination with Tomatosphere Project
Seventh grade students from Whiteville Elementary School (WES) had the opportunity to participate in the Tomatosphere Project at the Hardeman County STEM lab to study seed germination.
The WES students were given two tomato seed packages that contained 30 seeds each. One package was labeled “V” and the other “W” with one being a “control” – natural, untreated earth-bound seeds, and the other being a “space seed”.
Deana Sain worked assisting the students with the project and oversaw the experimental process.
“The space seeds were transported by SpaceX CRS-23 Dragon and spent five weeks on the International Space Station from August 30 – September 30, 2022,” said Sain. “The students planted them (both the V and W seeds) on October 2, 2023, in the hydroponic system. They watered them and checked the pH of the water.”
Of the test seeds, students were not told which seeds were space seeds. The students recorded the number of seeds planted and the number that germinated in each group. Pictures were taken weekly to record the data and Sain submitted results to the First the Seed Foundation.
“The girls enjoyed planting the seeds and receiving the updates as the plants sprouted. We were split on our predictions as to which package contained the space seed,” said Sain.
Although the students later received the answer as to which seed package contained the space seeds, that answer was revealed only to them. The project is one other students who visit the STEM lab are able to complete, so not knowing that information gives them a level investigative field.
The students were awarded certificates for their project.
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