1. Eco-column Project

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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