Ecosystem in a Bottle

Students create a self-contained bottle ecosystem using soil, rocks, seeds, and water. This hands-on activity models how living and nonliving components interact in ecosystems and illustrates the role of plants and the water cycle in maintaining balance.

1. Remove the label from a clean soda bottle.
2. Cut the bottle about 10 cm from the top, leaving a hinge so it can be opened and closed. Keep the lid on.
3. Place a 5 cm layer of rocks, pebbles, or broken clay pieces at the bottom for drainage.
4. Add potting soil until the bottle is about one-quarter full.
5. Plant seeds: soak large seeds before planting, or sprinkle smaller seeds on the surface with a thin soil cover. Press moss onto the soil if available.
6. Tamp down the soil and add about ½ cup of water.
7. Optional: place small twigs or pebbles on the surface for decoration.
8. Close the top of the bottle and seal the cut with tape.
9. Place the bottle in bright but indirect sunlight and rotate regularly so plants get even light.
10. Observe growth, condensation, and other ecosystem changes over time.

Create a Soda Bottle Terrarium to Observe the Water Cycle - LaFountaine of Knowledge:

DIY Mini Ecosystem in a Bottle with J.J: Fun & Educational Kids' Activity! - Ellas World Of Imagination:

📄 Build A Bottle Ecosystem! - Little Green Thumbs: https://www.littlegreenthumbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Build-a-bottle-ecosystem.pdf

• Use seedlings instead of seeds to see quicker growth.
• Try garden soil instead of potting soil and record any unexpected organisms (weeds, insects, molds).
• Experiment with light conditions (full sun, shade, different angles).
• Test temperature effects by placing bottles in warm or cold environments.
• Compare your bottle ecosystem with an aquarium.

• Adults should assist with cutting the plastic bottle.
• Handle scissors carefully to prevent injury.
• Do not drink the water or eat anything from the ecosystem.
• Wash hands after handling soil.

• Are the plants green and growing? How do you know if they are getting enough water?
• Where do you see signs of the water cycle inside your bottle? (Look for condensation, precipitation on the sides, and collection at the bottom.)
• How does light affect plant growth in the ecosystem?
• How does temperature affect the ecosystem balance?
• In what ways is your bottle ecosystem similar to or different from larger ecosystems, like forests or ponds?
• What might happen if one component of the ecosystem (light, water, plants, or soil) is removed or changed?