1. Terraqua Columns - Logistics

Time
30 min ecosystem lesson and discussion
20 min build terraqua column frame
20 min add soil, water, and seeds
* I recommend building the terraqua column frame on one day then adding the soil, water, and seeds the following day.

Grouping
2-3 students

Materials
For each group:

  • 1 clear 2 Liter soda bottles
  • 1 foot wick (1-2 cm wide strip of old cotton towel)

For 2-3 groups to share:

  • Awl OR electric drill with 3/8 inch bit
  • Hole punch
  • Box cutter
  • Scissors
  • Sharpie marker

For whole class to share:

  • Soil, either store-bought potting soil or soil from outside
  • Hand trowel
  • 1 package radish seeds OR Wisconsin Fast Plant seeds
  • Water, either tap water or pond/creek water
  • Graduated cylinder

Optional:

  • Rubbing alcohol (for erasing sharpie marker lines)
  • Clear tape

Setting
Classroom