Bottle Biosphere

 A biosphere is a closed system, meaning nothing but light comes in or out.  You can build your own biosphere by filling a bottle or jar (preferably glass or very clear plastic) with items from an ecosystem like the forest or a waterbody.  Make sure that you include, producers (organisms that produce their own food, like plants).

 Also include soil - there are many small organisms that act as consumers and decomposers in soil.  Consumers eat plants and animals; decomposers eat dead things and turn them back to soil.

If it is terrestrial or from the land, be sure to water it before you close it up.  You should make sure there is some drainage, so putting some gravel at the bottom of the jar will help with this.

For an aquatic or water biosphere, give it time to settle - it will look drastically different after just one day.

Some biospheres are a good ecological balance and can last for many, many years.  Some may only last for a short time and they start to get off balance and grow molds or fungus.  If this happens it is best to clean it out and try again - but it's all part of the observation & learning!

Learning Standards: LS2.A, ESS2.E, MP.2, SL1, SL2