Fifth-grade students in Mrs. Young's science class at Highlands Elementary School learned first hand about plant life when they built their own terrarium.
A terrarium is a closed, or partially closed clear container where plants and sometimes animals are kept. This container is self-supporting as long as it has a source of light energy.
Each student selected what type of plant to use, then selected the container to hold the plant and the type of soil or substance to use, such as common potting soil, pebbles, rocks, sand, charcoal, etc. Many of the students also added colorful objects to make their terrariums more visually appealing.
Student Justin W. built his terrarium using a dracaena, rocks, charcoal and soil. He also added plastic barrettes for color. Building a terrarium taught Justin many things about plants, but he said that one of the most important things he learned was how to properly touch plants.
"The acid in your fingers can destroy a plant," he said. "I have learned that if you want to touch a plant, you should gently touch it by using the skin between your fingers, rather than your fingertips, because it contains less acid."
Another student, Shaiann E., included an African violet and fern in her terrarium, but also added baby caterpillars to give it some animal life.
Mrs. Young's students said the terrarium project was a fun and exciting way for them to learn about plants and life science.
"I love to give my students experiments to work on," Young said. "Experiments allow them to do it, see it and learn it."
All of Mrs. Young's students' terrariums will be on display in the main office of Highlands Elementary for three weeks.
More 'Spotlight on Education' Articles
