Living & Non-living Terrarium Packet

The Living & Non-living Terrarium Packet

An immersive and detailed science unit designed for students in 3rd to 5th grade, this resource focuses on exploring living and non-living things through hands-on tasks such as building and observing a self-created terrarium.

The journey begins with an introduction to relevant science vocabulary and a clear outline of the seven characteristics distinguishing living from non-living entities.

Critical Thinking Activities

• Youths get to test their analytical skills via three targeted critical thinking activities.
• These exercises aim to consolidate student understanding and improve their object identification skills.

Creating a Terrarium

Following successful completion of these tasks, students move on to build their 2-liter bottle terrariums!. They're further encouraged with supporting materials, links providing instructions for terrarium construction. Additionally, they also receive a "Terrarium Investigation Book" which helps them through the process while providing space for recording observations over time

Evaluation Tests

To effectively evaluate progress at various stages, there are three calibrate final tests based on observed classroom needs or grade levels. Upon successful completion of this unit’s learning cycle learners can take home their very own mini-ecosystem; promoting continued research outside school hours.

Bonus: Flexibility in Learning

1. This can be used across whole groups for collective discussion
2. This can be used during small-group settings encouraging cooperative social-skills practice
3. This can be administered as homework assignments, thereby extending learning beyond traditional space-time limits.
   A Final Word: This valuable 38-page teaching tool presents itself as a game-like interactive activity. It is not just an educational science unit but also provides enjoyable learning experiences.