Students studying ecosystems can build an ecology box by first observing a real ecosystem in their region. Rivers, forests or backyards can be studied. Students can then place soil, water and rocks from the real ecosystem into a glass box aquarium. They can also add seeds to their ecology box and study it over one month. Students can monitor the temperature, pH, plant growth and water volume. Students can also use their ecology boxes to experiment with the human impact on ecosystems, such as pollution.
Students can create an aquaponics farm to observe the raising of fish and farming edible plants. This technology may be used in the future to reduce the environmental impact of importing food to urban areas. With aquaponics, urban farmers can grow crops and fish at the same time. According to the "Medill Reports," aquaponics is an ancient technology. The Aztecs grew plants on platforms atop large outdoor fishponds. In the classroom, students can plant seeds in a box above a fish tank. A drainage system connects the two ecosystems together and circulates water from the fish tank to the plant bed box above.
Students can select an ecosystem such as a coral reef or desert, for a diorama project. After careful study of their chosen ecosystem, students can use a medium-sized cardboard box for their diorama. Paper mache can be used to form the landscape. Students can add model plants and animals. Once completed, students can create a description of their ecosystem with diagrams of how it would function in real life.
Young children can utilize a shoebox to construct a habitat craft. The entire box should first be painted. Then dried plant material, such as pine cones and leaves, can be placed inside the box. Children can collect these materials on a nature walk. Small toy animals can be added. Cut a 1-inch wide hole in one short end of the box and then seal the lid. Habitats can be observed through the viewing hole. If needed, a second hole can be cut into the top side of the box to allow light into the habitat.