Out of this World Learning

This project engages students in real scientific processes that teach and reinforce inquiry skills, while they explore concepts related to plants, space, careers, nutrition and agriculture. The journey began in May, when students planted two different groups of tomato seeds: one that had spent time aboard the International Space Station (or in space-like conditions), and another that remained on Earth. In a true blind study, the young scientists didn’t know which is which, sparking an intriguing classroom debate: 3A’s plants seemed to grow stronger initially, leading some students to believe 3B’s seeds were altered by space, while others hypothesized that the space seeds returned with extra growing power. Ultimately, while the national results showed that space travel did not have a significant impact on growth, this discovery further fuelled the students’ curiosity about other variables, like water, sunlight and gravity.

By measuring growth, counting cotyledons (the first embryonic leaves that emerge from a germinating seed), and recording daily observations, students didn’t simply learn about plant biology and soil health; they discovered how space exploration connects to real-world survival on Earth and future missions to the moon or Mars. 

The excitement even extended outside the classroom, with some students being inspired to start their own gardens at home, tracking everything from corn to flowers. This project perfectly highlights our academic approach: transforming foundational curriculum into an unforgettable, inquiry-based adventure that inspires lifelong curiosity.