How Can I Design A DIY Terrarium-based Ecosystem Experiment That Incorporates Variables Such As Humidity, Light Intensity, And Substrate Composition To Teach 3rd-grade Students About Symbiotic Relationships And The Water Cycle, While Also Meeting The Next Generation Science Standards For Ecological Systems?

by ADMIN 309 views

DIY Terrarium-Based Ecosystem Experiment for 3rd Graders

Objective:
To create an interactive experiment teaching symbiotic relationships and the water cycle, aligned with NGSS standards.

Variables:

  1. Humidity - Manipulated by covering or leaving terrariums open.
  2. Light Intensity - Varied using lamps with shade or filters.
  3. Substrate Composition - Using soil, sand, or pebbles.

Materials:

  • Glass containers (jars)
  • Small plants (mosses, ferns)
  • Substrate options (soil, sand, pebbles)
  • Water spray bottle
  • Small organisms (springtails, worms)
  • Lamps and light filters
  • Paper, pencils, journals

Setup:

  1. Materials Preparation: Gather and prepare materials. Ensure containers are clean and dry.
  2. Introduction: Briefly explain symbiosis and the water cycle to provide foundational knowledge.
  3. Group Assignment: Divide students into groups, each focusing on a different variable (humidity, light, substrate).
  4. Terrarium Assembly: Students add substrate, plants, organisms, and water to their containers.

Procedure:

  1. Variable Manipulation:
    • Humidity: Cover some containers to increase humidity.
    • Light: Place terrariums under different light conditions using lamps and filters.
    • Substrate: Use varied substrates to observe drainage effects.
  2. Observation: Students record daily observations in journals, noting plant growth, condensation, and organism activity.
  3. Data Collection: Encourage drawing diagrams of the water cycle within terrariums.

Assessment:

  • Participation: Monitor engagement during setup and observation.
  • Journals: Review for understanding and completion.
  • Class Discussion: Hold a reflection session to discuss findings and connections to real ecosystems.

Safety and Considerations:

  • Use safe, non-harmful organisms.
  • Ensure adult supervision, especially with light sources.
  • Use recycled containers to promote eco-awareness.

Conclusion: This experiment allows students to explore ecological interactions and the water cycle hands-on, fostering a deeper understanding of symbiosis and environmental science.