Unit 1: Scientific Principles – The

Tomatosphere Project

Hextable School

Course Title: BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science

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Assignment
Tomatosphere Ref:
Title:
Learner Name
Start Date: Deadline:

Unit 1: Scientific Principles

Scenario
Tomatosphere is a space research project that is being conducted by students in Canadian schools.

There is a real possibility of a manned space expedition to Mars at some stage in the future. It is highly
likely that astronauts will need to grow their own fresh food on flight. Tomatoes make an ideal crop as they
grow quickly and produce fruit that is healthy and enjoyable to eat

This real life research project is designed to identify the best conditions for the growth of tomatoes and how
well the seeds will survive stored in a space vehicle on a journey to Mars.

In this assignment we will reproduce some of the experiments that are being carried out in by the students
working on the Tomatosphere project in Canada

Assessment Evidence:
Unit Grading Criteria
The grading criteria that this assignment relates to:

P7: describe the needs of a cell and the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration
U1 M7: describe the needs of a cell and the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration, relating them to the energy requirements of a cell
D7: describe the needs of a cell and the processes of photosynthesis and
respiration and how they meet the needs of cells, relating these to structures.

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Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science

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Task 1 – Background research
Compile a set of notes that include details about photosynthesis and
respiration including aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Task 2 – Photosynthesis experiments

Complete the following experiments
• Testing a pelargonium plant for the presence of starch under the
following conditions
 In different coloured light
 In the absence of light
 In the absence of carbon dioxide, in normal air and in
100% carbon dioxide

• Using Canadian pondweed carry out an experiment that studies the

rate of photosynthesis in different light intensities

Task 3 – Respiration experiments

• Using an oxygen sensor measure the uptake of oxygen in respiring
maggots
• Design an experiment that will prove that maggots produce carbon
dioxide

Task 4 – Germination experiments

• You will be provided with two sets of seeds. One set has been
exposed to radiation, extreme cold and low pressure to simulate the
conditions in space. You will also be provided with seeds that have
been stored in normal conditions for seed storage – that is cool, dry,
dark conditions. You will attempt to get the seeds to germinate at a
range of temperatures and in light and dark conditions.

Task 5 – Plant nutrient experiments

• It will be necessary for the astronauts to carry with them a range of
mineral nutrients on the journey to Mars. You will need to study the
effect of the following nutrients on plant growth
 No nutrients
 All nutrients
 No nitrogen
 No phosphorus
 No potassium
 No magnesium
 No iron

Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Applied Science

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