Terrariums are a great project for kids because they encompass a lot of different things yet are not too hard of a project to make. This article gives you great ideas for terrarium making for kids of all ages filter water bottle and includes learning materials, container selection, plant selection, care, and more.
There are two basic types of terrariums and you can tailor the type you make to the age and skill level of the child. The first type of terrarium is an open dish type. This is simply an arrangement of plants in an open container. It can be a dish, bowl or just about any type of container that will hold at least a quart of soil. This type is the easiest to make and the easiest to care for.
The second type of terrarium is the closed style. It is completely enclosed in a jar, glass, or container. This type is much more attractive and fascinating but it is also more challenging to make and to maintain. This type of glass bottle terrarium is also very well suited for explaining how an eco system works because it is a closed eco system.
The Perfect Compromise for a Container
A perfect compromise of closed and open terrarium is one that is made inside a large cookie jar. This is the type of glass cookie jar that has a large metal cover with a knob on it. The cover is usually offset at an angle to the side. They usually hold about a gallon to a gallon and a half of liquid.
This container is perfect because the very large mouth makes it easy to put plants glass water bottle with silicone sleeve and other materials into it. And the easily removable metal lid makes it easy for a child to reach in and prune or water the plants. And if the terrarium has been over watered the child can just leave the cover off for a couple of days. This will evaporate a lot of the excess water.
If you do not have one of these glass cookie jars here are some guidelines for choosing an alternate container. Choose a large container that is glass or plastic (preferably clear plastic if the project is for younger children) and insure it has a very large mouth opening so little hands can reach easily into it. Then finally, choose something with an easily removable lid. This will allow you to cover it for a closed system but also to remove it if it is over watered.
Plant Selection
You have a lot of options when it comes to selecting plants. If you want plants that will be very hardy glass water bottle with infuser and very durable you should consider using succulents or cacti. They generally have a very high tolerance for sunlight and do not need a lot of watering. (You can let the soil dry out before watering it again). They also generally require very little pruning or maintenance. So they are a good choice for younger children - just avoid any cactus with dangerous or harmful spikes and thorns.
For older children you can use almost any small type of plant that can be bought in a home improvement store or nursery. Select plants that are labeled as hardy, and grow to less than six inches in height. Keep all the information tags that come with them so you always have a reference for sunlight and watering.
The third alternative to plants (and the one I like the best) is to go for a hike and dig some up. This adds a wonderful dimension of discovery to the terrarium. Select small plants in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and choose them all from the same area. If they are all growing in a relatively small area you increase the chances that they will thrive in the little eco system you create in a jar or bottle.