The essence of all good science lies in a process called "the scientific method." The scientific method uses objective experimentation to predict, verify, or refute an assertion made by a theory. Based on the results of the experiment(s), the theory is modified. The processes involved with prediction, observation, and verification (or refuting) are repeated, continually tested and modified until the theory fits all possible experimental observations. Then the theory is considered a scientific law.
The diagram above shows a simplified flow chart of the scientific method. One can "enter" the flow chart at any point in the cycle. Generally however, one starts with a theory, a prediction, or an observation.
The Tomatosphere program is a scientific investigation in which the germination properties of seeds are examined. Based on the outcome of this experiment, conclusions will be drawn which will facilitate the planning of long term missions on the International Space Station, to the Moon and eventually, to the planet Mars.
Seeds are exceptionally resistant to damage from environmental extremes.
We know from experience that plant seeds are hardy and resist damage from a wide range of environmental conditions on Earth, including heat, cold, and drought, however, how exactly will seeds react to having spent time in space or when treated in similar space-like conditions?
Each class receives two packages with a total of 60 seeds (approximately 30 seeds of each of the two types - the "control" group which has had no treatment, and the "treatment" group which has been exposed to space or space-like conditions). Note that the seeds are packed by weight and that consequently, there can be a +/-5 variance in the number of seeds you receive. When you receive your seeds, the accompanying note strongly suggests that you check the number of seeds in each package.
Because the first tomato seeds will normally germinate in 5-7 days, it is recommended that the seeds be planted later in the week, and NOT before a holiday Monday. This will allow the students the best opportunity to see the germination process taking place the following week.
Based on what we know about seeds what do we think will happen when they are exposed to the seeds exposed to these conditions?
No effect? Disastrous effect? Something in between these two extremes?
We cannot be certain that our prediction is valid. We must test our prediction.
Seeds exposed to each of the two conditions are provided.
The planting of the seed treatments will be measured and compared.
The attempted germination of all seeds should be undertaken simultaneously and under identical conditions in order to control as many variables as possible.
Plant the two types of seeds provided. Plant AT LEAST 20 of each type. You may plant all the seeds if you wish.
Record the number of seeds planted for your submission of results.
The number of seeds which germinate in each group will be recorded.
Observations should be taken daily and recorded accurately. Anecdotal information that might prove to be useful later when the analysis of the data takes place should be noted (e.g. accidents, changes in room temperature over weekends).
The two sets of seeds you are sent for the Tomatosphere program are labeled with two different letters. The origin of the seeds will be revealed following the completion of the experiment and your submission of the results (click here to submit your results online). There is a one-page overview of this component of the process called "Recording and reporting your results". Click here to access the data collection form.
This is called a "blind study" and has been designed to eliminate unintentional bias in the experimental process.
Sometimes our expectations determine the outcome of an experiment, such as experimenting with the taste of new foods. Presented with a big, fat, roasted grub (considered a fine delicacy in some societies), we generally expect that it will taste awful. If we conjure up enough bravery to try it, it usually does taste awful upon taking the first bite, even though it may taste exactly like peanuts or cashews. Our expectations influence or even prejudice our observations.
Similarly, in a scientific investigation, it is possible to influence our observations by unconsciously tampering with the experimental controls or biasing our observations. For example, moving a specific group of tomato seeds to a warmer location after the experiment has begun because we expect or hope that this specific group of seeds will germinate better is considered a case of tampering with the experimental controls.
If we record a dead, partially germinated, seed as "unsuccessfully germinated" in one group while recording such a seed in a similar state as having been "successfully germinated" in a different group (because we were fairly certain the second group should be more successful); this too would be an example of inaccurate or biased reporting.
Biased observations are usually made unconsciously by the observer and are rarely deliberate attempts to misrepresent the data.
For this reason, blind studies are used for many scientific studies, including the Tomatosphere program. As a result, teachers (and students) will not know the sources of the two groups of seeds until the experiment is complete and the results submitted.
To read more about sample size and bias, review support materials on CurioCity.