Build a model of the stages of the water cycle

Turn a container into a small ecosystem with real plants. Enjoy a beautiful terrarium and learn through observation about the water cycle and its effects on plants.

To create your terrarium you need the following materials:

✔ A clear plastic (or glass) container with a lid
✔ pebbles
✔ sand (optional)
✔ Potting soil
✔ Small plant with root or chia seeds
✔ Small toys and stickers to decorate (optional)

Process

Add a layer of potting soil inside the container, followed by a layer of sand. Place the pebbles and/or the sand to facilitate the filtering of the water and add a last layer of soil, this layer must be much thicker than the others. Sprinkle a little water between layers so they stay in place. Be careful not to add too much water as it will cause mold growth. If this happens, uncover the container and place it in a sunny spot, which makes it easier for the water to evaporate.

Once you have completed all the layers of your terrarium, plant your plant making sure to cover its roots completely with soil and add stickers and decorations if you prefer. Do not forget to cover the container and place it in a place where it receives sunlight.

The great advantage of having a terrarium is that they do not require much care. Just add water every week, to avoid flooding it is advisable to use an atomizer.

Discussion

The terrarium is a model or visual representation of the water cycle, since it is, in essence, an artificial ecosystem where land, water, temperature, air and light work together to allow the sustenance of the plants within it. .

By spraying water inside your terrarium you started the water cycle, this occurs in nature in the form of rain or snow (among others) and is known as precipitation. The water inside your terrarium is then heated under sunlight and turns into steam, this stage is known as evaporation.

When the water cools, it turns into small liquid droplets that adhere to the lid of the container and roll as small droplets on the walls of the jar: this phase is known as condensation.