Science Content:
Plants and animals have life cycles that are part of their adaptations for survival in their natural environments.
Estimated Time: 1 period for set up and several weeks of observations
Investigate the impact that weather and climate has on plant life through the development and maintenance of a closed terrarium. Set up several closed clear glass terrariums (glass gallon jars work well) that house similar organisms (e.g. ferns, moss, small grasses, pill bugs, worm). The closed terrarium allows for a self-sustaining microclimate to be established in which water is cycled and can be observed (condensation on the glass, moist soil, sustainability of live plants). Record observations over several weeks to document plant growth or any other visible changes in the ecosystem. After several weeks, expose all but one terrarium to different changes in climate/weather. Examples of climate/weather changes might be to take the lid off the terrarium, put a terrarium in the dark, add direct or additional light, place terrarium in a colder area, etc. Record observations every day for two weeks.