Mini Hydrologic Cycle

Here is a great way for your students to share their new-found knowledge about the water cycle with the rest of the school. The students can work in pairs of small groups to create terrariums for each class in the school. When completed they can be responsible to set up an appointment with their designated class to present and explain the Hydrologic (water) cycle to the students - here is a great way to include all students - those who perhaps are weaker that others can present to a younger grade than themselves, while the stronger students can present to the older ones.

Materials:

• a large glass container with a top (big pickle jars are great - ask a restaurant!)
• potting soil
• gravel
• small plants and/or moss (spider plant "babies" work well!)
• small stones, etc. to decorate (very Zen-like!)

Procedure:

Place the gravel (about 4 cm deep) , then the potting soil (about 6 - 8 cm deep) into the jar. Plant the plants and moss and add the stones. Carefully wipe down the inside of the jar with a dry paper towel. Water carefully and place the top on tightly. Place in the window and observe for a day or two. (the terrarium should thrive and if watered correctly will not need to be watered!)

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