Make a Biosphere



Category Activities
Time to allocate (mins) 30
Outcome Compare the biosphere the Cubs create to the earth.  If the air is poor, the plants will die.  If the mix is wrong, the plants will die.  Needs just the right amount of soil, light, water and clean air to survive.
Resources

Glass jars with lids

Activated charcoal

Gravel/riversand or small stones

Potting soil 

Plants or moss

Decorations (bark, stones, etc) 

Instructions

Step 1 – Thoroughly clean a airtight glass container (such as a mason jar).

The jar needs to be very clean to avoid any mold growth.

Step 2 – Add a layer of about 2 – 5 cm (1 – 2 inches) of clean sand or clean gravel to the bottom of the jar.

Aquarium sand works very well. This will create a drainage layer and water basin for the excess water in your biosphere.

Pouring Sand

 

Step 3 – Add a thin layer of about 1 – 2 cm (0.5 inches) of activated charcoal on top of the sand.

You can get activated charcoal from any pet supply store. This layer will act as a filter to keep your biosphere nice and clean.

Pouring Charcoal

 

Step 4 – Add a layer of about 5 – 10 cm (2 – 4 inches) of good draining soil.

 

Soil Layer

Step 5 – Add some decorative items like a rock or piece of wood.

Placing Rock

.Step 6 – Add some plants and moss.

I recommend that you add very small slow growing plants that can tolerate warm, humid, environments. Sheet moss is also a nice decorate touch.

Step 7 – Water your biosphere.

Give your biosphere enough water so that the sand layer is fairly saturated. You actually won’t need very much water to achieve this so be careful when adding the water.

.Step 8 – Cap your biosphere.

Once you have watered your biosphere, it is ready to self-regulate.

Complete jar no condensation

Step 9 – Place your biosphere near a window but make sure it is not in direct sunlight.

If you place your biosphere in direct sunlight the inside will get too hot and you will end up cooking your plants. You may also notice a lot of condensation building up inside your biosphere at first and this means that you may have watered it too much. Just open the lid for a day and let some of the water evaporate.


Entry written by Sharon Venn of 1st Randburg