Eco-Column Project

Keep in Classroom – DO NOT TAKE!
Eco-Column Project
Introduction
The purpose of this exercise is to create simulated ecosystems that we can observe in an effort to learn about
ecosystems in the real world. This is a group project with each team member recording observations & other
notes into their individual journals. Some procedures require outside excursions to gather materials. Students
are also encouraged to bring materials from home.
Goal


Create a stable ecosystem that can sustain itself for several weeks
Observe & understand the relationship among biotic & abiotic factors
within an ecosystem & between ecosystems
Materials
5 two-liter plastic bottles
Scissors
Clear tape
Permanent markers
Filter paper
Hammer
Nails
Water – tap, rain, pond
Water conditioner drops
Abiotic & biotic components (see below)
Overview of the 3 Chambers
1. Terrestrial
a. Abiotic: soil, rocks
b. Biotic: plants, seeds, insects, worms, sticks, snails, pill bugs
2. Decomposition
a. Biotic: dead leaves, grass clippings, sticks, fruit/veggie peels, snails, beetles
3. Aquatic
a. Abiotic: sand, gravel, rocks, water
b. Biotic: Fish, snails, water plant, aquatic insect, algae
Diagram
Once your group has constructed your eco-column, please draw a color diagram of the entire ecosystem. You
must label all a/biotic components. The colored diagram must fill up 1 page.
Observations
Each day, you will enter an observation into your journal.
Please set aside 2-3 pages for this. Include the following for each observation:
Date
Day # (how long it’s been up & running)
Observations of each chamber:
- Color changes, organism deaths, measure plant growth, mildew, gnats, etc.
- Soil & water tests as teacher provides