Potting soil
A package of seeds e.g. marigold or pea
Container for pouring water
A plastic container e.g. small like you can get at the grocery for salad.
(Check with your local water department they may have the materials for a terrarium they will give you.)
a. Prior to building the terrarium
How do all of the parts of the water cycle fit together?
What would happen if one part was left out?
b. After building the terrarium
Observe what happens to the water in this closed container and help the students observe and describe the different parts of the water cycle they see in the terrarium.
Keep track of your observations in a science journal. Each day look for the following things:
What is the seed doing?
On which parts of the terrarium do you see water?
What new is happening in your terrarium today?
Review the water cycle boogie and then have the students do it. Explain that each student will get to build or have their own terrarium to observe the water cycle. Provide each student with a small plastic container which can be covered tightly with either a clear lid or plastic wrap. Have each student put soil in the bottom, put a plant seed in the soil, and lightly water the soil. Cover the terrarium with the lid or plastic wrap and place in a location where it can get sunshine.