Creating  a  Terrarium  Grades  K-­‐5  

 Materials  Needed:  • A clear glass or plastic container such as an aquarium, Rubbermaid storage container or

large plant vase. • Two to four types of plants to plant inside the soil��� • One bag of potting soil • One bag of sand • Sphagnum Moss • ���One bag of rocks for the bottom of the terrarium

Lesson Plan:

1. Send a newsletter out to the parents of your students explaining what your class will be studying over the course of the next few weeks. Ask for the terrarium materials, if students are allowed to bring in materials, they will feel a sense of ownership in your class project.

2. Before you distribute the class terrarium newsletter, have a group discussion about what a terrarium actually is. Be sure to address the following: What is A Terrarium?

A terrarium is a miniature landscape with living plants. A terrarium symbolizes the different types of ecosystems in our world and helps us understand how plants and weather work together to provide shelter, food, and water to other living things. A terrarium cannot only hold plants, but small animals like lizards, turtles, and insects can also live in a terrarium. After your class discussion…

Have your students draw what they believe a terrarium looks like. Each student should also write about his or her idea of a terrarium. Each student should have the chance to share his/her ideas.

3. Once you have collected the necessary materials to create your classroom terrarium, gather outside with all the materials. If possible, have each student choose a rock or some small material that could go inside the terrarium.

4. The Steps to Making Your Classroom Terrarium

• Put a one inch layer of stones in the bottom of your terrarium • ���* Pour potting soil on top of the rocks. • Remove the plants from their plastic pots and arrange them in your terrarium; remember

to move the plants around. • Move this arrangement around looking for something that pleases you. ��� • Once your students have the plants in place, fill the rest of the container with potting soil

and have students gently pat the potting soil down so plants are firmly supported in place. • Water your terrarium; make sure it’s not too much! • Place the terrarium in a spot in your classroom that receives moderate sunlight.

5. Caring for Your Classroom Terrarium

• Check on your terrarium every day. • Watch for dryness, if the soil is dry to the touch, water the terrarium. • If you look at the bottom of your terrarium and there is water among the stones, then you

have too much water. Refrain from watering for a few days.

6. Terrarium Connections • Have students write about their observations of the classroom terrarium. The changes

they see as it flourishes, what they believe would have if adequate care was not taken of the terrarium.

• Compare and contrast the terrarium with real world scenarios such as rainforests, deserts, mountainous regions, and forests using a Venn diagram.

• Hold class discussions about how humans, weather, and wildlife affect different ecosystems.  

 Priority  Academic  Student  Skills:    Standard  1:  Observe  and  Measure  Standard  2:  Classify  Standard  3:  Experiment  and  Inquiry  Standard  4:  Interpret  and  Communicate