Bottle ecosystem project

In this DIY science experiment for kids, learn how to create a living aquatic ecosystem and understand how it depends on numerous elements to survive.

Our most recent science unit is an exploration of ecosystems. We learned there are 4 parts to an ecosystem: animals, plants, decomposers, and non-living things. These bottles contain all four parts including water, soil, grass, fish, snails, gravel, worms, and a water plant. Our bottles have been self sustaining. For two weeks we haven't had to feed the animals or water the plants, and everything is still alive. Take a look:

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Ecosystem in a bottle

Add caption It's beginning to feel like Spring in Pennsylvania, and with it comes our state tests and just beyond...my favorite teaching of the ENTIRE year...ecosystems and biomes. I just LOVE nature and last year I jumped our third graders in with both feet and we made a huge mess in my room for two days and assembled fully self-contained terrestrial and aquatic biome bottles. This project has allowed me to connect so many things I love--big projects, my aquarium past, kids, parents, plants…

Don't let the title, DIY 2-Liter Bottle Ecosystem Project scare you. This activity is fun and intriguing for the home or a science project!

Background: The goal of our project was to design a self-sustaining ecosystem, then test and measure the effects of human impact on the ecosystem. A self-sustaining ecosystem requires several components in order to keep a balanced environment. This means ensuring that the natural chemical cycles embodying the ecosystems flow at a natural rate. We…