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In this activity, learners examine the different materials gardeners add to their soil, and discuss how these materials are important for plant growth. Learners explore how to build a sustainable terrarium by adding a waterbed, mixing their own soil and transplanting a small plant into their terrarium.
- Under 5 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Over $20 per student
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 2 Quart-sized clear round plastic food containers (you can use old take-out soup containers)
- Pebbles
- Horticultural charcoal
- Potting soil
- Perlite
- Peat moss
- Compost
- Sand
- Nylon stocking, cut to fit diameter of the clear plastic food container
- Tape
- Small plants
- Spoon
- Water
- Magnifying lens
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Earth Structure
- Rocks and Minerals
- Biosphere
-
Earth Structure
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Plants
-
Ecology
- Ecosystems
- Energy Flow and Chemical Cycles
-
Diversity of Life
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Gardening
- Nature and Environment
- Outdoor Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Education, Science Friday
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Science Friday, 2010