Turning a Plastic Bottle into a Tiny Terrarium 

This month, Water the Roots took on one of the most popular projects with the kids: transforming used water bottles into self-sustaining terrariums. With over 80 bottles collected (and counting!), we were able to lead a hands-on lesson about ecosystems, sustainability, and the water cycle at local schools, using nothing more than donated supplies and creativity. Read about how we did it below!

1. Cut a plastic water bottle length wise, leaving room for the approximate root size of plants. 

2. Students added a base layer of rocks for drainage, then a sprinkle of activated charcoal to keep the environment clean. Pro-tip: Handle all activated charcoal with caution, as it can leave black residue on students' hands and clothes.

3. Next came potting soil, followed by small indigenous succulents carefully placed in the soil.

4. A few sprays of water began the water cycle inside the sealed bottle. 

5. The final step was a favorite: decorating with popsicle stick drawings of themselves. This creative addition helped students feel connected to their terrarium and to the idea that humans are part of the environment too.

6. Seal the bottle and ask students to monitor the bottle over the next week. 

Access detailed lesson plan including discussion questions here!

After closing the lids, we explained that over the next few days, condensation would form on the inside of the bottle. Students could observe how the water cycle played out right in front of them, with moisture rising, condensing, and falling back to the soil. 

Connection to Sustainability

This project also served as a conversation about reducing waste. Instead of throwing plastic bottles away, we gave them new life. Our school district does not have a recycling program, so we asked classmates, teachers, and peers to donate their used bottles to us. Our AP Environmental Science teacher even helped by collecting bottles from her students. 

Tips for running this project:

1. Reach out to teachers, clubs, sports teams, or school staff to help collect bottles.

2. Keep a visible donation bin in classrooms or common areas.

3. Let students personalize their terrariums. It helps build a stronger emotional connection to the project.

Additionally, we had a great discussion about how students could help support their own ecosystems. Students engaged in discussions about how our actions can disrupt Earth's balance and connected topics from their own science classes (such as the water cycle) to climate issues such as Arizona's droughts. This activity showed students how science, creativity, and sustainability can come together in powerful ways. They walked away with a living model of an ecosystem and a deeper appreciation for how small actions can make a difference. 

We look forward to continuing this work and visiting more classrooms in the future. If you are interested in bringing Water the Roots to your school, please reach out. We would love to collaborate!