Terrarium Science Projects
A terrarium is a controlled environment in which living plants are kept and observed. Using a few simple guidelines, including the requirements for a terrarium and the recommended materials, students can make their own terrarium science project and be observing water cycles and the life cycles of plants in a matter of minutes.
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Terrarium Requirements
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A terrarium science project must have a number of things to be considered a true terrarium. First, it must be large enough to house the plants you will want to observe. Terrariums can be made to hold several plants or just large enough to hold one plant. Think of how many plants you want to put in your terrarium before you decide on your material and the terrarium's size. Second, terrariums must be see-through so you may observe the plant(s) inside. Third, terrariums must have a lid of some sort to trap the water inside and create a miniature rainforest-like environment. Finally, terrariums need to have a small vent that allows air in and out of the terrarium if the terrarium's lid is airtight.
Recommended Materials and Plants
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Depending on the size of the terrarium you wish to build, a small glass or plastic jar may work. Jars and plastic bottles (1- or 2-liter) lend themselves perfectly to terrarium-building because they are see-through and come with a lid. Pet terrariums and fish aquariums also work well for larger terrariums, though finding a lid that fits can prove to be a problem. If you do not have a lid for your tank, stretching several layers of plastic wrap across its top can serve as a makeshift lid. Small ferns and moss are some of the plants best suited for terrarium life, but almost any small, tropical plant can be used.
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Putting the Terrarium Together
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There is a very specific order to terrarium building. Place a 1/2-inch layer of gravel or pebbles on the bottom of the terrarium, followed by a thin layer of activated charcoal to help filter the terrarium water. Next, add a 2-inch layer of soil. Finally, make a small divot in the soil, place the plant seed in the divot and push the soil in around the plant's roots. Repeat if using multiple plants, making sure to give each plant several inches of room to grow. Poke a few vent holes into the terrarium's lid to allow air in and out of the terrarium.
Care and Observations
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Water the soil when you first assemble the terrarium, place the lid on the terrarium and place it in a well lit area. Avoid placing the terrarium in direct sunlight. Only water the soil when it looks dry; time between waterings can be several weeks to over a month. Observe the terrarium over a period of several weeks. Observe the water cycle, including how the water evaporates and condenses on the terrarium's lid and sidewalls. Construct a chart that shows the different stages of the water cycle you observed. Also, observe how the plant develops from seed, to seedling, to full-fledged plant. Write down your observations and accompany them with a drawing of the terrarium for each day you observed it.
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