Grade 11 Biology: Can Seeds Thrive in Space?
Mrs. Griffin's grade 11 biology students have been investigating the effects of space travel on seed germination by participating in the TomatoSphere project.
In a blind experiment, students planted two groups of tomato seeds. One group spent approximately 30 days on board the International Space Station while in orbit, the other was a control group that remained on Earth.
The seeds were planted by the grade 11 biology students and grown in a sunny window inside one of our Senior School science labs. The goal of the experiment was to determine whether the conditions in space would impact germination.
As humans look toward long-term space travel and colonization, this type of research becomes increasingly important. Tomatoes are a nutrient-rich food source and it is important to study how seeds will respond to microgravity, cosmic radiation, and other space conditions. Ultimately, successful germination of "space seeds" provides hope for sustainable food production beyond Earth.
What did the CDS biology students find?
Despite the intriguing premise, our results showed no significant differences between space seeds versus earth seeds. This coincides with the national averages for the TomatoSphere project.
Finding no discernable difference between experimental groups is important information because it highlights the resilience of seeds and their ability to thrive irrespective of extreme environmental conditions.
All in all, it was a rich learning experience for our budding scientists: planting the seeds, collecting and analyzing data, comparing to a national average, finding relevant research, and finally, writing a scientific lab report.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
