3rd Grade Science

Investigating ecosystems, matter, and energy through hands-on experiments and observations.

Exploring EcosystemsStates of MatterSources and Forms of Energy
Food Chains and Food WebsThe Water CycleProperties of Materials
Making a Mini-TerrariumInvestigating Heat and MeltingBuilding a Simple Food Web
Observation and Note-TakingAsking Scientific Questions
Exploring EcosystemsStates of MatterSources and Forms of...Food Chains and Food...The Water CycleProperties of Materi...Making a Mini-Terrar...Investigating Heat a...Building a Simple Fo...Observation and Note...Asking Scientific Qu...
Practical Applications

Making a Mini-Terrarium

Create Your Own Mini-Ecosystem

Build a mini-terrarium using a clear container, soil, small plants, and a little water. This lets you see how plants grow, how water cycles, and how living and nonliving things interact.

Steps

  1. Put small rocks in the bottom of your container for drainage.
  2. Add soil and plant your seeds or small plants.
  3. Add a tiny bit of water and close the lid.
  4. Place your terrarium where it gets sunlight.

Watch over the days as water evaporates and condenses, and your plants grow!

Examples

  • Use a glass jar, some moss, and a small fern to make a tiny rainforest.

  • Build a desert terrarium with sand and a cactus.

Next
Investigating Heat and Melting