Have you ever wanted to create your own tiny world of plants that can take care of itself? A closed terrarium is just that! It’s like a mini garden inside a glass container that needs very little attention. Let’s learn how to make one!
Before you start, gather these materials:
Start by putting about an inch of stones or gravel at the bottom of your container. This layer helps drain water so it doesn’t stay in the soil and harm the plants’ roots. You can use colorful rocks, aquarium gravel, or pebbles.
Sprinkle a layer of activated carbon over the gravel. This will help filter the water and keep your terrarium clean.
Cut a piece of porous mesh to fit your container and cover the gravel completely. This mesh keeps the soil separate from the gravel, allowing water to drain without mixing the layers.
Now, add a layer of soil on top of the mesh. Make sure the soil layer is deeper than the gravel layer so your plants have enough room for their roots. A good soil mix will hold moisture and include organic materials like dead leaves and compost.
It’s time to add your plants! You can use native plants from local parks or gardens, or choose tropical plants. Arrange them with larger plants in the back and smaller ones in the front. Use moss as ground cover to make it look lush and green.
If you find any worms or woodlice, you can add them to your terrarium. Worms help make the soil rich with nutrients, and woodlice break down organic matter, which is great for the soil.
Mist the plants and moss with water to help them settle in and provide moisture for the ecosystem. This first watering will start the water cycle inside the terrarium, allowing it to take care of itself.
Congratulations! You’ve made your own closed terrarium. Watch how your little plant world changes over time. Some plants might not make it, but others will grow and spread. This tiny ecosystem will not only make your space look beautiful but also give you a cool glimpse into how nature works. Enjoy your new green creation!
Imagine you are an architect for a tiny world! Draw a blueprint of your terrarium on paper. Label where you will place the rocks, mesh, soil, and plants. Think about how you want your plants to be arranged. Will you have a path or a small hill? Use your creativity!
Let’s do some math! Measure the dimensions of your container and calculate the volume of soil needed. If your container is a cylinder, use the formula $$V = pi r^2 h$$, where $r$ is the radius and $h$ is the height of the soil layer. How much soil will you need?
Choose a plant you want to include in your terrarium. Research its needs: how much light, water, and space it requires. Create a mini-poster with your findings and share why this plant is a good fit for your terrarium.
Using your terrarium, observe and model the water cycle. Draw a diagram showing how water evaporates, condenses, and precipitates within your closed terrarium. Explain how this cycle helps your plants survive with minimal watering.
Start a terrarium journal. Each week, write about any changes you observe in your terrarium. Note plant growth, color changes, or any new organisms you see. Predict what might happen next and reflect on what you learn about ecosystems.
Terrarium – A small, enclosed environment for growing plants, often made of glass. – In science class, we built a terrarium to observe how plants grow in a controlled environment.
Plants – Living organisms that typically grow in soil and use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis. – We learned that plants are essential for providing oxygen and food for many other organisms.
Soil – The top layer of the earth where plants grow, composed of organic matter, minerals, and nutrients. – Healthy soil is crucial for growing strong and healthy plants in our garden.
Water – A vital liquid for all living organisms, necessary for hydration and growth. – We need to water the plants regularly to ensure they have enough moisture to thrive.
Carbon – A chemical element found in all living things, essential for life and a key component of many biological processes. – Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air during photosynthesis to produce oxygen and glucose.
Gravel – Small stones often used in gardens and terrariums to help with drainage. – We added a layer of gravel at the bottom of the terrarium to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot.
Ecosystem – A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. – The pond behind our school is a small ecosystem where fish, plants, and insects live together.
Moss – A small, green plant that grows in damp, shady areas and does not have flowers or seeds. – We found moss growing on the rocks in the forest, showing how it thrives in moist environments.
Nutrients – Substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. – Plants absorb nutrients from the soil, which helps them grow and produce food.
Organisms – Living things, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, that can grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment. – The forest is full of diverse organisms, each playing a role in the ecosystem.
