Building the Plant World
Building the Plant World
Lesson Summary
Lesson Summary
Students will explore the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems by building mini-terrariums with outdoor materials, gaining hands-on experience in how plants create self-sustaining environments.
Students will explore the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems by building mini-terrariums with outdoor materials, gaining hands-on experience in how plants create self-sustaining environments.
Students will explore the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems by building mini-terrariums with outdoor materials, gaining hands-on experience in how plants create self-sustaining environments.
Objectives
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Learning Outcome
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Objectives
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Learning Outcome
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Objectives
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have made and sealed a terrarium.
Students will have learned what plant biodiversity is, and why it is important.
Learning Outcome
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Nature changes over time, and systems need many parts so it stays alive, everything has its own role.
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
est. 2 hours
est. 2 hours
est. 2 hours
Preparation
Preparation
Preparation
Introduce the Activity
Introduce the Activity
Introduce the Activity
Terrarium Creation
Terrarium Creation
Terrarium Creation
Discuss and Reflect
Discuss and Reflect
Discuss and Reflect
Cleanup
Cleanup
Cleanup
Materials List
Materials List
Clear Container
Clear Container
Step - Terrarium Building
1 per student
In which to build the terrarium.
Make sure they are completely washed and cleaned out before use.
Use clear, vertically tall, sealable jars or repurposed recycled containers instead of buying new.
Ask students to bring clean jars or takeout containers; have extras available if needed.
Paper Bag
Paper Bag
Step - Terrarium Building
1 per student
Holding plant materials as they are being gathered.
Holding plant materials as they are being gathered.
Distribute before transitioning outside.
Try to use a reusable container instead of disposable options. Alternatively, find another use for the bags instead of discarding them.
Try to use a reusable container instead of disposable options. Alternatively, find another use for the bags instead of discarding them.
Bag of Potting Soil
Step - Terrarium Building
1 small bag
Layer in the terrarium.
Open outside.
Bag does not need to be big, each container only needs about 2-3 inches of soil.
Hardware store, or local/community gardens or nurseries might donate.
Bag does not need to be big, each container only needs about 2-3 inches of soil.
Spoons
Spoons
Step - Terrarium Building
2 spoons
Scooping soil into containers.
Scooping soil into containers.
Use reusable spoons that can be washed after use, if possible.
Use reusable spoons that can be washed after use, if possible.
Spray Bottle
Step - Terrarium Building
At least 2
Moistening the inside of the terrarium.
Fill with water.
Any size is fine, but larger ones are better to avoid refilling during the activity.
Fill with water.
Any size is fine, but larger ones are better to avoid refilling during the activity.
Window Screen
Step - Terrarium Building
1 - 2 sheets
Layer in the terrarium.
Cut into squares.
Does not need to be large, just enough to be a full layer in a container.
Hardware store.
Does not need to be large, just enough to be a full layer in a container.
Cut into squares.
Pencil
Step - Discuss and Reflect
1 per student
Used to fill out worksheet.
n/a
n/a
Crayons
Step - Discuss and Reflect
1 per student
Used to draw on worksheet.
Ensure there are enough 'nature' colors available.
Reflection Worksheet
Step - Discuss and Reflect
1 per student
Comprehension activity.
Print prior to class.
No need for color printing – link to download below.
Indicators of Success
Indicators of Success
Indicators of Success
Notes and Considerations
01
This lesson works best when outdoor plants and greenery are growing.
02
If there aren’t enough materials for each child, have them work in pairs or groups, and keep the terrariums in the classroom so no one has to decide who takes it home.
Notes and Considerations
01
This lesson works best when outdoor plants and greenery are growing.
02
If there aren’t enough materials for each child, have them work in pairs or groups, and keep the terrariums in the classroom so no one has to decide who takes it home.
Notes and Considerations
01
This lesson works best when outdoor plants and greenery are growing.
02
If there aren’t enough materials for each child, have them work in pairs or groups, and keep the terrariums in the classroom so no one has to decide who takes it home.
Download Links
Download Links
Download Links
Background Information
Background Information
Age-Appropriate
Term Definitions
Biodiversity
Biodiversity means having lots of different plants and animals living together. Just like a big team, they all help each other to keep nature happy and healthy.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity means having lots of different plants and animals living together. Just like a big team, they all help each other to keep nature happy and healthy.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity means having lots of different plants and animals living together. Just like a big team, they all help each other to keep nature happy and healthy.
Native Plants
Native plants are plants that grow in a place all by themselves because it’s their home. They don’t need extra help because they belong there.
Native Plants
Native plants are plants that grow in a place all by themselves because it’s their home. They don’t need extra help because they belong there.
Native Plants
Native plants are plants that grow in a place all by themselves because it’s their home. They don’t need extra help because they belong there.
Terrarium
A terrarium is a tiny world inside a glass box. It has plants, sometimes little animals and bugs. Everything inside helps each other grow and live.
Terrarium
A terrarium is a tiny world inside a glass box. It has plants, sometimes little animals and bugs. Everything inside helps each other grow and live.
Terrarium
A terrarium is a tiny world inside a glass box. It has plants, sometimes little animals and bugs. Everything inside helps each other grow and live.
Habitat
All animals and plants need a home. For example, a fish’s habitat is the water, and a bird’s habitat is in a tree. Every living thing needs a special place to find food, a safe place, and grow.
Habitat
All animals and plants need a home. For example, a fish’s habitat is the water, and a bird’s habitat is in a tree. Every living thing needs a special place to find food, a safe place, and grow.
Habitat
All animals and plants need a home. For example, a fish’s habitat is the water, and a bird’s habitat is in a tree. Every living thing needs a special place to find food, a safe place, and grow.
Ecosystem
The natural world is like a big family made up of plants, animals, and the things around them, like the air, water, and dirt. They all work together and help each other out. For example, plants give animals food, and animals help plants grow.
Ecosystem
The natural world is like a big family made up of plants, animals, and the things around them, like the air, water, and dirt. They all work together and help each other out. For example, plants give animals food, and animals help plants grow.
Ecosystem
The natural world is like a big family made up of plants, animals, and the things around them, like the air, water, and dirt. They all work together and help each other out. For example, plants give animals food, and animals help plants grow.
Topic Overviews
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an environment, including plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, and their ecosystems. Each area of the world has its own requirements for biodiversity, in part due to the varying climates and variations in native plants. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health, resilience, and providing essential services like food, clean air, and water. A diverse ecosystem is better able to adapt to changes and support life.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an environment, including plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, and their ecosystems. Each area of the world has its own requirements for biodiversity, in part due to the varying climates and variations in native plants. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health, resilience, and providing essential services like food, clean air, and water. A diverse ecosystem is better able to adapt to changes and support life.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an environment, including plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, and their ecosystems. Each area of the world has its own requirements for biodiversity, in part due to the varying climates and variations in native plants. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health, resilience, and providing essential services like food, clean air, and water. A diverse ecosystem is better able to adapt to changes and support life.
Native Plants
Native plants are species that naturally grow in a specific region or ecosystem without human introduction. They have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in their local environment, adapting to the climate, soil, and wildlife. These plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance, making them more sustainable and beneficial for the environment.
Native Plants
Native plants are species that naturally grow in a specific region or ecosystem without human introduction. They have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in their local environment, adapting to the climate, soil, and wildlife. These plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance, making them more sustainable and beneficial for the environment.
Native Plants
Native plants are species that naturally grow in a specific region or ecosystem without human introduction. They have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in their local environment, adapting to the climate, soil, and wildlife. These plants require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance, making them more sustainable and beneficial for the environment.
Bring sustainability to your classroom!
©2025 Csilla Moran
Developed as a sustainable design senior capstone project.
Bring sustainability to your classroom!
©2025 Csilla Moran
Developed as a sustainable design senior capstone project.
Bring sustainability to your classroom!
©2025 Csilla Moran
Developed as a sustainable design senior capstone project.