Terrarium Write Up
Name _____________________
Each lab group (2 people) must have the following items in their binder. This will go
into the Earth Systems unit:
1.
A drawn out picture of the construction of your terrarium. This should be very
detailed. (e.g. How many cm (metrics!) deep each layer is, what each layer is
composed of, etc.) At most, you are to have it 7 cm deep.
2. A list of all biotic and abiotic factors that you have added to your terrarium and a
description of all biotic factors including measurements of them (in metrics).
Also, an explanation of why you chose these items and how they are contributing
to the health of your terrarium.
3. A daily log (journal) of what occurs in the terrarium. You won’t write everyday,
but at least 2 times a week. Each day must be marked with the date. In this
journal (which you will keep in your notebook) you need to list any changes that
are occurring or have occurred since you last made a recording. Even if there are
no changes, you need to describe the status of the terrarium. Each journal entry
must be at least 3 sentences long. You MUST measure each plant each day and
record this information in your log. (Even if no change occurs).
Follow up questions (answered as part of your terrarium write up in your binder):
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8.
List the biotic factors in your terrarium.
List the abiotic factors in your terrarium.
Draw a diagram of the water cycle in your terrarium.
Draw a diagram of the carbon cycle in your terrarium.
List the autotrophs in your terrarium.
List the heterotrophs in your terrarium.
Why can we consider this an ecosystem?
Is there a community present in your terrarium? Explain and identify each thing
that makes it up.
9. Which biome is your terrarium most like and why.
10. List each organism in your terrarium and label their trophic level.
11. Draw at least one food chain that is in your terrarium.
12. Draw the food web that is in your terrarium.
13. List 3 things you did well in your terrarium. Explain why.
14. List 3 things you would have done differently with your terrarium. Explain why.
15. List 3 reasons why building and monitoring the terrarium was valuable.