Mr Landymore, along with 6b pupils Neha and Kai, recently built a terrarium during a biology activity exploring how ecosystems function. By creating their own miniature environment, they were able to see how plants and other natural elements interact within a balanced system.
Learning about terrariums helps pupils understand how ecosystems work, including the relationships between plants, microorganisms, water and nutrients. Because a terrarium is a closed environment, it also demonstrates natural processes such as the water cycle and decomposition. Observing these processes on a small scale helps make key biological ideas clearer and easier to understand.
How to Make a Terrarium
1. Choose a suitable jar
Start with a clear glass terrarium jar with a lid. These are widely available online and can also often be found in local shops. A larger jar gives plants more space to grow and allows the different layers to be clearly seen.
2. Create a drainage layer
Begin by adding a layer of gravel and sand to the bottom of the jar. This helps water drain away from the plant roots.
3. Add activated charcoal
Place a thin layer of activated charcoal on top of the gravel. This helps keep the terrarium fresh by filtering water and reducing odours.
4. Add clay balls
Include a layer of clay balls to provide additional drainage and help maintain healthy conditions inside the terrarium.
5. Add peat free soil
Next, add a layer of good quality peat free soil. This provides the nutrients that the plants need to grow.
6. Add natural material
Scatter a few dead leaves over the soil. As they break down, they help return nutrients to the soil and mimic natural processes found in woodland environments.
7. Plant your terrarium plants
Carefully plant small species that grow well in humid conditions. Good examples include ferns, moss, fittonia (nerve plants), peperomia and small ivy varieties.
8. Finish with moss and decoration
Add sphagnum moss and a few decorative stones to help retain moisture and give the terrarium an attractive finish.
9. Water the terrarium
Lightly water the soil so that it is moist but not saturated.
10. Seal the jar
Finally, place the lid on the jar to seal it. Over time the terrarium will develop its own small water cycle as moisture evaporates, condenses on the glass and returns to the soil.
By building and observing a terrarium, Neha and Kai created a miniature ecosystem and were able to see how plants, water and nutrients interact within a contained environment. 🌱.