Question
Students will collaboratively formulate focused and investigable questions that guide the initial design of their terrariums, considering how abiotic and biotic factors might interact to shape their ecosystems.
Day 1
390 min over capacity (45 min available across 1 day)
Develop Research Question
Deliverable
Making the terrarium
Deliverable
Terrarium Kickoff: Observe, Question, Explore
Launch 45m
Brainstorm Ecosystem Questions and Plans
Deliverable 45m
Develop Investigable Terrarium Design Questions
Project Work 60m
Develop Terrarium Hypotheses and Plan
Deliverable 45m
Apply Layering Concepts to Terrarium
Project Work 45m
Detail Materials List and Layering Plan
Deliverable 45m
Terrarium Design Blueprint and Roles
Project Work 60m
Set Data Collection and Strategy
Deliverable 45m
Prepare Final Presentation and Reflection
Deliverable 45m
Design
Students will plan and design their terrarium layouts, selecting materials, drafting sketches, and outlining observational strategies to systematically investigate their ecosystem's interactions and characteristics.
Day 1
Terrarium Inquiry Plan
Deliverable
Collect
Students will systematically gather evidence from their terrariums, including measurements of abiotic elements, biotic observations, and soil pH data, while recording findings in their observation journals to analyze interdependent relationships within their ecosystems.
Day 1
Terrarium Data Collection Plan
Deliverable
Analyze
Students will interpret the data collected from their terrarium ecosystems, identify patterns and anomalies in the interactions of abiotic and biotic components, and collaboratively present their insights using evidence-based reasoning, acknowledging limitations and alternative interpretations of their findings.
Day 1
Analyze Terrarium Data
Deliverable
Preliminary Findings Report
Deliverable
Conclude
Students will synthesize their observations, present their findings to peers and community, address any limitations and unexpected results, and reflect on the essential question through a structured exhibition that showcases their terrarium creations and ongoing ecosystem hypotheses.
Day 1
45 min over capacity (45 min available across 1 day)
Terrarium Exhibition Showcase
Assessment 90m