| Terrariums have been around for years but they've | | | | container. |
| gained a lot of popularity recently in the interior | | | | 2. Put a half-inch layer of activated charcoal right on |
| decorating world. They are a fascinating example of a | | | | top of the pebbles. The charcoal isn't totally necessary |
| self-sustained ecosystem and, depending on how you | | | | but it will help filter the water. |
| decorate them, a home fashion statement. They're | | | | 3. Put a layer of Sphagnum moss on top of the |
| also a great teaching tool for kids. Making a terrarium | | | | charcoal. This is optional but Sphagnum wiry and dry |
| can be a fun project for you and your child to do | | | | and will keep the soil from falling into the pebbles |
| together that you can then display either in their room | | | | below. |
| or as a centerpiece in a family common room. The | | | | 4. Put a layer of soil on the top of all of this about two |
| best part is that it is an ever-changing decoration piece. | | | | or three inches thick. |
| You can even change out some of the plants or | | | | 5. Poke small holes into the soil place all of your plants |
| objects in the terrarium based on your child's changing | | | | in the soil. |
| tastes. So, here's what you'll need to create your own | | | | 6. Place your objects around the plants for a festive |
| terrarium: | | | | look. If you're more into a beachy look, use sand |
| 1. Soil | | | | instead of soil and purchase plants that grow well in |
| 2. Pebbles | | | | this type of climate. You can accessorize with tiny |
| 3. Activated Charcoal | | | | beach chairs or toy sea creatures. |
| 4. Moss | | | | 7. Water the terrarium a moderate amount and cover |
| 5. Glass container (Can be an open container or one | | | | it. Watch it over the next few days. Water only if the |
| with a lid. Closed containers can be more difficult to | | | | soil is drying out. If you over water then leave it |
| sustain but can also be more rewarding for teaching | | | | uncovered to let the water evaporate. If your terrarium |
| your kids about ecosystems). | | | | is not enclosed, ignore these final directions. |
| 6. Various plants | | | | If you want more information on teaching your kids |
| 7. Fun objects | | | | about ecosystems, I found this great website called |
| Directions | | | | Storm the They also have lots of other cool ideas for |
| 1. Put a one-inch layer of pebbles in the bottom of the | | | | fun science projects. |