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Overview
Students will learn what a closed ecosystem is and how a terrarium is an example of a closed ecosystem. Students will learn about the water cycle and how it functions in a terrarium. Students will then plan, design, select materials, and construct their own closed ecosystem terrarium using succulents, soil, rocks, glass jars, wood, plexiglass, glue, etc. Students will use the Glowforge Laser Engraver to cut out pieces of their design to construct their terrarium.
Objective
Students will learn about a closed ecosystem, the role of the water cycle and how it creates balance in nature. Students will then design and construct a terrarium to observe the water cycle.
Utah Core Standards:
Science with Engineering
- Standard 5.3.1 Construct an explanation that plants use air, water, and energy from sunlight to produce plant matter needed for growth. Emphasize photosynthesis at a conceptual level and that plant matter comes mostly from air and water, not from the soil. Photosynthesis at the cellular level will be taught in Grades 6 through 8.
- Standard 6.4.5 Evaluate competing design solutions for preserving ecosystem services that protect resources and biodiversity based on how well the solutions maintain stability within the ecosystem.
- Standard ENVS.1.1 Develop and use a model to compare and analyze the levels of biological organization within living systems. Examples of levels of biological organization could include organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, or biospheres.
Skills
- Creativity
- critical thinking
- problem-solving
- flexibility
- adaptability
- productivity
- initiative
Materials
- Clear plexiglass
- ¼ inch proofgrade plywood
- small succulents
- glass jars
- rocks
- soil
Lesson Design and Directions:
- Students are asked to brainstorm what they already know about ecosystems.
- The instructor then presents information about what a closed ecosystem is and gives examples. The instructor should then discuss the elements of the terrarium and refer to the water cycle poster. The instructor can ask student volunteers to explain the cycle, being sure to highlight and explain essential terms (evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation).
- The instructor leads students through identifying keywords to use for search purposes, then students will be directed to find and read an article on Utah’s Online Library about terrarium construction, and then group and compare/share with their table about the article they read.
- From their research and group discussion, the students should now be familiar with what a terrarium looks like and how it functions.
- Students begin to design their terrarium. They must use a variety of materials in the construction. Students will sketch their idea on paper and then come to the front of the room to select their materials.
- Students will use the Glowforge to cut out and/or engrave their designs.
- After constructing their terrariums, students and instructor will talk about what worked well and what didn’t work.
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