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Seeds from Space

Grade Focus
Grade 7
Age Level
12
Subject
Science
Technology Integration Activity
Discovering the Internet, Online Safety, PowerPoint Presentations, Video Productions
Estimated Time of Completion
5 to 7 one hour class periods (depending on the growth of the palnts)
Author: Last modified: 05/23/2009

Introduction

 Research NASA's mission of placing seeds outside of the International Space Station for one year.

2) Design and implement the experiment of growing control vs. space exposed seeds.

3) Orally present the findings of their project and create an Animoto video and a "rap" as a summary of the project.

Prerequisite Experience

The student should have some prior knowledge of the growth of plants and the scientific method. They should be able to write a procedure, record data and analyze the results.

Project

The students will be able to elaborate in their answers to, "Will seeds that have been exposed to the harsh environment of space for one year and then returned to earth germinate and grow?" By researching NASA's mission of placing seeds outside of the International Space Station for one year, the students will design and implement the experiment of growing control vs. space exposed seeds. Also, they will orally present the findings of their project and create an Animoto video and "rap"as a summary of the project.

Time Management Tips

Create the power point, and plan independent work for students with differing completion times of group work.

Lesson Plan Details

Engage

PowerPoint Presentation Slides 1 through 7

After Slide 7:

Teacher demonstration-Pour large beans into Mason glass jar with seal while sneezing and coughing on it a few times and spill a little water into the jar. Place lid on jar.

Question for students: What is wrong with the way these seeds were prepared to send into space?

Explore

Research Groups

Group 1

 1. What are the conditions in space around the International Space Station?

     Temperature (F and C), Gravity, Atmosphere (Gases/humidity). Compare these  

     factors  with the same conditions on earth.

 2.  Does the ISS rotate as it orbits the earth? Is one side always exposed to the sun?
 

Group 2

The “suitcase” is a passive experimental container, specifically a MISSE 4 which stands for “Materials International Space Station Experments”. Go to NASA.gov.

 1. How is it designed?

 2. What is the purpose of a MISSE experiment?

 3. What keeps it from floating away from the ISS?

 4.  Does it always face towards earth or sun or both?
 

Group 3

1. How might the seeds be affected by their time in space? What factors of space might

    affect the seeds?

2. How could you test to find out which space condition is responsible for the change in

    seed germination?
 

Group 4

 1. What is basil?

 2. What is cinnamon basil?

 3. Why would NASA want astronauts to be able to grow basil in a space shuttle or in

     specialized containers on the moon?

 4. Describe the length of time/conditions of herb (specifically basil) from germination to

     harvest.
 

Group 5
 

Using the website http://www.successwithseed.org/cinnamon-basil-step-by-step?start=2

 make an outline of how the seeds are to be grown. (Well written, enumerated steps of the

 PROCEDURE)  in the scientific method.
 

Group 6

Design the plan for data collection: log book, photos, drawings.

Design the labels for seed type/group. (8 groups)
 

Group 7 (ongoing)

For each part of the project you will write a rap as we move along until completion.

  Ex. “So NASA had this crazy idea that food for th’ astr’s needed a little more spice…”
 

Group 8

Assemble Photos for Animoto and Organize Photos for School website

Explain

Groups will pool their research and group leaders will present the information;

Then, all students will answer the following questions:

1) Why is it important for NASA to study how seeds may be affected by long-term exposure outside the ISS?

2) How is the environment outside the ISS different than Earth?

Elaborate

Students will perform experiment and collect data as directed by Groups 5 and 6

Extend

Students will decide what can/should be presented on the school website.

             Students will answer the following questions:

  1.  What other life science projects would you like to see done by NASA?
  2. Make a list of what you liked about the project and what you would change.
  3. Would you like to mentor a group of 6th graders on how to do a science project?
  4. NASA’s plans for lunar exploration-see NASA e-clips.    What else should NASA investigate to live on the moon? What are some of the effects on humans that you would expect from living on the moon for long periods of time?     What other life science projects do you think NASA should do to prepare for living on the moon?