Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy science students recently planted a tomato seed that spent 271 days in space and will measure its growth as part of a research project through the company Above: Space Development Corp.
Science teacher Martin Jakubowski heard about the opportunity and arranged for the project for his science students in grades 7-9.
“It’s real science for these kids,” Jakubowski said. “They’re measuring the growth of a plant, but it’s been in space for nine months.”
Pathways Academy students planted the seed on Wednesday, May 14. On Tuesday, May 20, the seed sprouted. Jakubowski and his students will continue to monitor the growth of the seed, measure the height of the plant and record their data with Above: Space Development Corp.
During the planting process, Pathways Academy Trade teacher Adam Spatto opened the capsule the seed was kept in, and student Nicole Ricca planted the seed in a pot.
Tim Alatorre, chief operating officer of Above: Space Development Corp., said the Pathways Academy students planted the first of the company’s space tomato seeds and are part of an important citizen science project.
“The seeds planted by the students spent 271 days in space exposed to a unique and harsh radiation environment,” Alatorre said. “Above: Space has enlisted volunteers from around the world to plant these seeds and to record germination time and fruit yield. This research is important to not only unlock the future of agriculture in space, but to also understand how using the radiation of space may increase or affect the yield of food crops. Having the next generation of space explorers and researchers participating in this experiment is exciting for us, and we hope the students also appreciate the importance and significance of their work. We are grateful to Martin Jakubowski for connecting us with his students and walking them through this process.”
If the plant continues to grow and results in tomatoes, Pathways Academy students could end up having the chance to try eating tomatoes grown from a seed that spent time in space.
Being part of the research is a great opportunity for students and can help with the future of agriculture in space, Jakubowski said.
“Astronauts want to eat fresh food too,” he said.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy science students and science teacher Martin Jakubowski pose with their space-flown tomato seed capsule from Above: Space Development Corp. and certificates from the company. From left: Sarah Hanes, Brayton Acker, Jakubowski, Nicole Ricca, Kristina Johnson, Sophia Smith and Dylan Morgan.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy science students pose with their space-flown tomato seed capsule from Above: Space Development Corp. From left: students Nicole Ricca, Sophia Smith, Kristina Johnson, Dylan Morgan, Sarah Hanes and Brayton Acker.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy science student Nicole Ricca uses tweezers to pick up a space-flown tomato seed from Above: Space Development Corp. and plant it in a pot on Wednesday, May 14.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy science students planted a space-flown tomato seed from Above: Space Development Corp. on Wednesday, May 14. Pictured here, the seed sprouts on Tuesday, May 20.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy Trade teacher Adam Spatto opens up a capsule with a space-flown tomato seed from Above: Space Development Corp. to allow students to plant it on Wednesday, May 14.
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Pathways Academy science students planted a space-flown tomato seed from Above: Space Development Corp. on Wednesday, May 14. Pictured here, the seed capsule and a certificate from the company.