SAMUEL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CS 6: EARTH SCIENCE

OF GENERAL TRIAS INC. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Brgy. Navarro, General Trias City, Cavite BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Name: ___________________________________ Group No.: ___________________

Grade Level/Strand/Section: ________________ Date of Submission.: ___________

Laboratory Worksheet No. 1

“Terrarium”

I. OVERVIEW
The use of transparent containers for growing plants dates back at least 2,500
years in Greece. In the United States, terrarium culture is believed to have originated in
New England, where housewives placed squawberry (partridge berry) plants in
handblown glass bowls. In this activity, you will discover the essential biotic and abiotic
factors of the ecosystem survival.

II. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

They are a small, enclosed environment for certain plants. Think of it as a mini
greenhouse. The containers for terrarium gardens are typically transparent, such as glass
or plastic. There are two types of terrariums, closed and open terrarium. Closed
terrariums have a removable lid while the open terrarium does not.
They are indoor gardens in a sealed container. The plants and the soil in the
terrarium release water vapor – essentially recycling water. The vapor is then collected
onto the walls of the vessel and trickles down to the soil. Terrariums are self-nourishing,
which is why they require little maintenance, if sealed.

III. OBJECTIVES
Design a terrarium were the knowledge on the characteristics of Earth to support
life can be observed.
Identify the biotic and abiotic factors that supports the terrarium survival.
Observe how the Earth subsystems works together to support life thru the
terrarium.

IV. MATERIALS/RESOURCES
• Empty Glass or Plastic Jar
• Small pebbles or rocks
• Charcoal or sand
• Potting Soil
• Live plants
• Window screen (optional) or any object that can separate the charcoal and the
pebbles/rock
 SAMUEL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CS 6: EARTH SCIENCE
OF GENERAL TRIAS INC. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. Navarro, General Trias City, Cavite BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

IV. PROCEDURE
1. Prepare the glass or plastic Jar.

2. Carefully line the bottom with 1-2" of pebbles.

3. Place the charcoal in a central well of the pebbles.
4. Cut a piece of small-mesh, window screen that reaches edge-to-edge of the
terrarium.
5. Cut a piece of small-mesh, window screen that reaches edge-to-edge of the
terrarium.
6. Level the surface as needed.
7. Gently remove the soil from each plant’s roots. Place the largest plant first and
arrange shorter plants in front or off to the side. Sprinkle soil to cover their roots
8. Water your plants and set the terrarium in a place where it will receive just the
right amount of sunlight. In the future, check and lightly water whenever the top
1" of soil is dry. Every so often, trim back the plants to maintain their small size
and remove dead leaves.
Closed terrarium: Place in a well-lit location, away from direct sunlight.
Open terrarium: Place in a bright sunny location.

V. GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. What are the biotic factors that can be found in the terrarium?
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2. What are the abiotic factors that can be found in the terrarium?
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3. Give one system interactions that can be observe inside the terrarium.
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 SAMUEL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CS 6: EARTH SCIENCE
OF GENERAL TRIAS INC. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. Navarro, General Trias City, Cavite BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

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4. What is the function of the following materials in sustaining your terrarium?

a) Pebbles
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b) Charcoal
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5. What is the function of putting separating material or window screen between

substrates?
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6. What type of terrarium can sustain longer? Why do you say so?
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7. What are the impacts of the following factors in the sustainability of your terrarium;
a) Water
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 SAMUEL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE CS 6: EARTH SCIENCE
OF GENERAL TRIAS INC. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Brgy. Navarro, General Trias City, Cavite BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

b) Temperature
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c) Soil
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VI. CONCLUSION

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