Bearden was one of several schools around the country chosen by NASA to conduct an experiment on space travel and germination.
In 2016, NASA sent tomato seeds to space, while leaving a collection of seeds from the same plant as control seeds on Earth. The seeds sent to space were then brought back to earth and sent to high school students around the country, including Bearden’s AP Biology students.
To conduct the experiment, students planted one of the control seeds and a space seed to compare how the two grow side-by-side.
“Our objective was to have tomato germination,” AP Biology teacher Mrs. Vicky Shore said. “The long term goal of the space program is to be able to travel to and from Mars, and that could take more than two years, so the astronauts are going to have to grow their own food along the journey.
“The result from the experiment with the seeds in space will help scientists determine some of the issues related to long-term space travel.”
Added senior Katie Early: “My favorite part about science classes is that we get to do experiments or any type of lab, so it’s fun to be chosen by NASA and get to test something out.”
After the AP Bio exam in May, the class will create salsa with the fully-grown tomatoes to celebrate.
“Gravity affects root development, so I’m unsure that just because the seeds have been in space, does not mean they will be different on earth,” Mrs. Shore said.
Junior Alex Lewis agrees, but says “doing an experiment from NASA is super cool.”