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Environmental Science

Can you finish build your eco jar garden in about 30 min?

Build Your Eco Jar Garden

You will this activity teaches children about ecosystems and biodiversity by creating their own self-sustaining environment.

Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 13–14
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectEnvironmental Science
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Concept

What this lesson teaches

This activity teaches children about ecosystems and biodiversity by creating their own self-sustaining environment. They will observe how plants interact with soil, water, and air, fostering appreciation for nature's balance.

Materials

What you need

    Steps

    How the activity runs

      Why It Works

      The learning connection

      Building a mini ecosystem engages embodied cognition, letting children physically create and observe interactions. This hands-on experience solidifies their understanding of environmental concepts, as they can directly see how plants and soil work together over time.

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      Try it with your learner

      1. Take a clean glass jar with a lid. 2. Layer small pebbles at the bottom for drainage (2 cm). 3. Add a layer of activated charcoal to filter the water (1 cm). 4. Fill the jar with potting soil (5 cm) and plant small seeds or seedlings (e.g., mustard or mint). 5. Lightly water the soil and close the jar. 6. Place the jar in indirect sunlight and observe for 2 weeks — what changes do you see?

      Environmental Science30 minAges 13–14Grade 8Sign in to save this activity