By Scott Meeks
CrunchyScott.com
School is back in session! And I've got a green science project idea that's sure to put your kid at the head of the class. It's a rainforest terrarium made from an old soda bottle. Totally easy, totally crunchy and perfect for the classroom or for a kid's bedroom!
Supply List
2 liter soda bottle (washed and dry)
Pebbles
Activated Carbon (from the pet store)
Pistachio shells (or Spanish moss)
Potting soil
Fresh moss
2 small tropical plants (like a fern and a palm)
1 small toy animal
Instructions
- Four inches from the bottom of your 2 liter bottle, cut the bottle into two parts. The bottom part will be the planter and the top part will be the cover of the terrarium.
- Add an inch of pebbles to the bottom of the planter.
- Add a single layer of activated carbon.
- Add a layer of pistachio shells or Spanish moss.
- Add potting soil -- enough so that it comes to about a ½ inch below the top part of your planter.
- Plant the tiniest tropical plants you can find. Mini palms and ferns are perfect.
- Add fresh moss to the top of the soil.
- Add a toy animal that would enjoy living in your rainforest.
- Lightly water your terrarium.
- Cut a short slit down the back of the planter, about a ½ an inch.
- Push the planter together where you cut the slit and place the cover on top.
- Put your terrarium in a spot where it'll get plenty of indirect sunlight.
Scott Meeks is a passionate environmental journalist, lifestylist and author. You can learn more about him and his eco-ways at www.crunchyscott.com.
