Rooms 222 and 215 are learning about Water and Climate in science this semester. At the start of the semester, students learned how different materials absorb or repel water. Once the students learned how water interacts with different materials, they were introduced to the water cycle. The 222 & 215 students did experiments to explore condensation, evaporation and precipitation. Students used this information to expand their knowledge about different climate zones. They learned about tropical, dry, temperate, continental and polar environments. The students learned the different characteristics of these environments. Some environments are dry and hot or cold and icy, making it difficult for plants to grow. Other environments are warm and wet, allowing for lush greenery to thrive.
To culminate this unit, students in 222 and 215 built self-sustaining terrariums. These terrariums simulate a tropical rainforest environment. The students layered different substrates into a container— they layered rocks, charcoal, and soil. Then, they chose which plants they wanted to add. Students added bugs (springtails and isopods) into their terrariums. The bugs act as a cleanup crew for the terrarium to mitigate any mold or fungi and help the decomposition process of any plant waste.
With the right care (light and occasional misting), terrariums continue to grow and self-sustain for years. These terrariums will allow students to observe their handmade ecosystem over time. Students will get to watch their plants grow and observe the natural cycles of water through evaporation and condensation. The students had fun learning about the different parts of the terrarium. They did a great job sequencing the layers, following directions, and using their fine motor skills to scoop and pour.
