NSWTR 2024 HR - Flipbook - Page 34
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YEAR 3-4 SECTION
STAGE 2 – SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
ECOSYSTEM IN A JAR
AIM: TO CREATE AN ECOSYSTEM IN A JAR
WHAT YOU NEED
WHAT TO DO
A Mason jar, ideally with a wide neck so
you can put your hand in it. Otherwise, any
medium to large glass jar with a lid.
1. Add some small rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the jar
for drainage.
Small rocks or pebbles, soil, moss,
seeds or small plants
Access to water
Spray bottle
Small pieces of apple
Permanent marker
2. Cover the rocks with a layer of soil about ⅓ the way up
the jar.
3. Add any seeds or small plants.
4. Add a layer of moss to the top of the soil.
5. Add a small piece of fruit, such as a square of apple, to
encourage insects.
6. Add a decoration – a rock you like, a small toy, etc to
create a feeling of place.
7. Spray water in your ecosystem to keep it moist.
8. Label with your name(s) and place it in a sunny spot.
You can place a lid on your ecosystem if you wish.
9. Watch it as the moisture condenses and then drips back
– a self-contained ecosystem in a jar!
SAFETY FIRST – GLASS CAN BREAK. BE PREPARED AND
APPROACH THIS AS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS
TO MANAGE THE RISK OF GLASS BREAKING. IF WATER IS SPILT
ON THE FLOOR, MAKE SURE THAT IT CAN BE CLEANED UP BEFORE
SOMEONE SLIPS ON IT. DO NOT TRY TO WASH ANY MATERIALS,
SUCH AS DIRT OR MOSS DOWN THE SINK.
SPECIES SURVIVAL – MORE THAN JUST SUSTAINABILITY
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