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How to Observe a Bottle Ecosystem

The bottle ecosystem is a self-contained environment that allows students to observe the interactions between living and non-living components. This project also provides students with opportunities to make and record careful observations. These can be simple visual observations but also can include data collected using scientific tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital camera
  • Video creation software
  • Two thermometers
  • Two hygrometers
  • Pipette
  • pH level test strips
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Instructions

  1. Visual Observation

    • 1

      Observe and record your visual observations of the bottle ecosystem daily. Notice how the living organisms change in size or color and whether they are still surviving. Also observe the non-living components in the bottle, such as the soil and water.

    • 2

      Take a picture of the bottle ecosystem daily at the same time and from the same location. Use these pictures to show the changes over time. Create a stop-motion video of your pictures using video creation software.

    • 3

      Compare the changes in your bottled ecosystem to those of other students. Observe how different levels of sunlight and temperature in the room affect the separate ecosystems.

    Temperature and Humidity

    • 4

      Attach two small thermometers to the bottle, one inside and one outside, when building your ecosystem.

    • 5

      Attach two small hygrometers to the bottle, one inside and one outside, when building your ecosystem.

    • 6

      Record the temperature and humidity inside and outside the bottle at the same time each day.

    pH Level

    • 7

      Cut a small hole in the side of the bottle when preparing your ecosystem. The hole should only be large enough to allow you to insert the pipette into the ecosystem and collect a sample of water. Cover the hole with tape.

    • 8

      Remove a small amount of water at the same time each week using the pipette. Be careful to not uncover the hole in the side of the bottle for too long.

    • 9

      Use the pH level test strips to measure the pH of the water inside the ecosystem.

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