======Ecosystem in a Bottle======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** Closed Bottle Terrarium
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Remove the label from a clean soda bottle.  
  - Cut the bottle about 10 cm from the top, leaving a hinge so it can be opened and closed. Keep the lid on.  
  - Place a 5 cm layer of rocks, pebbles, or broken clay pieces at the bottom for drainage.  
  - Add potting soil until the bottle is about one-quarter full.  
  - Plant seeds: soak large seeds before planting, or sprinkle smaller seeds on the surface with a thin soil cover. Press moss onto the soil if available.  
  - Tamp down the soil and add about ½ cup of water.  
  - Optional: place small twigs or pebbles on the surface for decoration.  
  - Close the top of the bottle and seal the cut with tape.  
  - Place the bottle in bright but indirect sunlight and rotate regularly so plants get even light.  
  - Observe growth, condensation, and other ecosystem changes over time.



====Links==== 
Create a Soda Bottle Terrarium to Observe the Water Cycle - LaFountaine of Knowledge: 
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DIY Mini Ecosystem in a Bottle with J.J: Fun & Educational Kids' Activity! - Ellas World Of Imagination: 
{{youtube>_ZxHTixwEP4?}}\\

📄 Build A Bottle Ecosystem! - Little Green Thumbs: [[https://www.littlegreenthumbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Build-a-bottle-ecosystem.pdf]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use seedlings instead of seeds to see quicker growth.  
  * Try garden soil instead of potting soil and record any unexpected organisms (weeds, insects, molds).  
  * Experiment with light conditions (full sun, shade, different angles).  
  * Test temperature effects by placing bottles in warm or cold environments.  
  * Compare your bottle ecosystem with an aquarium.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Adults should assist with cutting the plastic bottle.  
  * Handle scissors carefully to prevent injury.  
  * Do not drink the water or eat anything from the ecosystem.  
  * Wash hands after handling soil.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Are the plants green and growing? How do you know if they are getting enough water?  
  * Where do you see signs of the water cycle inside your bottle? (Look for condensation, precipitation on the sides, and collection at the bottom.)  
  * How does light affect plant growth in the ecosystem?  
  * How does temperature affect the ecosystem balance?  
  * In what ways is your bottle ecosystem similar to or different from larger ecosystems, like forests or ponds?  
  * What might happen if one component of the ecosystem (light, water, plants, or soil) is removed or changed?