Gloria LaMonaca and Sarah Schott, co chairs of the the Youth Gardener Committee,  worked on a project with a small group of ten year olds to develop an understanding of how ecosystems work and the important  role plants. water and soil play in an ecosystem. 

Each child built a tiny ecosystem in a two liter pop bottle. The top third of the bottle was removed to allow easy access. The children began by placing a layer of pea gravel in the bottom of the bottle followed by a two inch layer of potting soil. After sprinkling approximately one half cup of water on the soil, they planted radish, cat grass or johnny-jump up seeds in the soil. A few small pebbles  were added for decoration. The previously removed portion of the plastic bottle was taped back in place, and the bottle was sealed with a cork. Each child created a second ecosystem in another bottle and chose a different seed to plant in the bottle. The children were told to place their bottles in a well lit area and to rotate their bottle regularly. 

To conclude the activity, the children were each given a journal and were instructed to date and write an entry explaining what we did to make the bottle ecosystem. They added illustrations of the bottles and labeled the layers. They were encouraged to continue to date, write and draw in their journals as a way of recording their observations over the next few weeks.

The children learned that all ecosystems need plants, soil and water. They learned the importance of the water cycle, and that everything works together in an ecosystem.  We discussed the various types of ecosystems that exist in the world around them. Finally, they learned that small changes can affect the entire ecosystem. The project was an excellent learning experience for the children.

Youth Gardeners August 2024

Bottle Ecosystem

The youth gardeners prepare their tiny ecosystems by adding pea gravel, soil and water to their containers.

Next, the seeds are planted, along with a few decorative pebbles and the tops of the plastic bottles are taped back in place.

The youth gardeners are shown with their end products and writing their journal entries.