Eco-column Project

Introduction The purpose of this exercise is to create simulated ecosystems that we can observe in an effort to learn about ecosystems in the real world. This is a group project with each team member recording observations & other notes into their individual journals. Some procedures require outside excursions to gather materials. Students are also encouraged to bring materials from home. Goal Create a stable ecosystem that can sustain itself for several weeks Observe & understand the relationship among biotic & abiotic factors within an ecosystem & between ecosystems

Materials 2 two-liter plastic bottles Scissors Clear tape Permanent markers Filter paper soil Sand pebbles Water – tap or pond Biotic: plants, seeds, insects, worms, sticks, snails, pill bugs, fish, etc

Procedure Draw a color diagram of the entire ecosystem. You must label all a/biotic components. The colored diagram must fill up 1 page. Build your eco column Test and record the initial soil and water conditions Test conditions once a week