Terrarium Lab
Model for Green House Concepts

Name _____________________________________
Partner(s) initials ______________ Date _____

Materials Needed:
Every student will need the lab worksheet and graph paper
Per team: 3 one or two liter, plastic soda bottles (all the same size) 6 cups of soil or dirt
4 thermometers (includes 22 0c to 110 0c) 3 cups of water
spotlight or light source for heat with silver shield
piece of 4in square grass

Directions: In teams of three, each person will make one of the following containers.
Container 1: No Lid
Use an empty and clean 1 liter bottle (others sizes will work just make sure all three are the same size). Cut the bottle evenly around the top about 1/3 of the way down. When completed, throw out the cover and cap. Fill the bottom half full of soil and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Place a thermometer (range should cover 22 0C to 110 0c) on top of the soil so that it can be easily read every 3 to 5 minutes.

Container 2: Soil and Lid
Use an empty and clean 1 liter bottle. Cut the bottle evenly around the top about 1/3 of the way down. Set the top with cover still on aside until later. Fill the bottom half full of soil and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Place a thermometer (range should cover 22 0C to 110 0c) on top of the soil so that it can be easily read every 3 to 5 minutes. Cover the top of the bottle by folding in the edges and applying the top back onto the bottom. It will not be perfectly airtight and to do this the edges will be a little bent but with small force you should be able to do this without tipping over your set up.? Add a clear tape around the seal to make it more air tight.

Container 3: Soil, Lid and Grass Will the true Terrarium show off? Use an empty and clean 1 liter bottle. Cut the bottle evenly around the top about 1/3 of the way down. Set the top with cover still on aside until later. Fill the bottom half full of soil with grass on top. pour in 1/2 cup of water. Place a thermometer (range should cover 22 0C to 110 0c) on top of the soil so that it can be easily read every 3 to 5 minutes. Cover the top of the bottle by folding the edges in some and applying the top back on. It will not be perfectly airtight and to do this the edges will be a little bent but with small force you should be able to do this without tipping over your set up, smile.