Build Your Own Mini Ecosystem

Watch science come alive inside your very own self contained terrarium.

Students build a functioning miniature ecosystem while exploring the water cycle, transpiration, condensation, evaporation, and ecosystem interactions. As the terrarium grows, children can observe nature recycling water exactly as it does in the real world.

This is one of the most engaging ways to demonstrate Earth's natural water cycle.

Kit Includes

• Glass terrarium jar with wooden lid • Activated charcoal • Potting soil • Decorative bark • Spray bottle • Illustrated Terrarium Guide • Water Cycle learning guide • Transpiration coloring page • Coupon for terrarium plants

Students Will Learn

• Water cycle • Condensation • Evaporation • Transpiration • Ecosystems • Plant biology • Scientific observation

Supports Alaska Academic Standards

This activity supports students in learning to:

• Explain how water moves through Earth's systems • Observe interactions between living and nonliving components • Investigate plant structures and functions • Develop models of natural systems • Collect evidence through observation

Recommended Grades: Grade 2 through Grade 6

Approximate Activity Time: 45 minutes to build with weeks of ongoing observations.

Why Homeschool Families Love These Kits

✔ Hands on STEM learning

✔ Supports Alaska Academic Standards

✔ Screen free educational fun

✔ Encourages observation, exploration, and critical thinking

✔ Includes educational resources to extend learning beyond the activity

✔ Designed locally at Ken's Garden Center

✔ Educator developed by a curriculum expert with a Bachelor's in Education, Master's in K–12 Mathematics, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, and graduate research focused on sensory learning