Art Lesson Plan: Pop Bottle Terrarium

Materials

1. two- 2L clear pop bottles
2. pebbles for drainage, then sand layer and crushed charcoal briquettes for freshness, the 1-2 inches of soil
3. “cuttings” from houseplants like philodendron and ivy or baby shoots from plants. Put in water until roots form on cuttings, then plant. Baby shoots have roots and can just be replanted. Share and trade with friends to get new “free” plants.

Method:

1. Cut 2 plastic 2L bottles in half. Pull out the black bottom for one of them. Use the other one for planting.
2. First put in pebbles, then sand and crushed charcoal, the 1-2 inches of soil. Add plant. Don’t crowd them. They need room to grow. You can add rocks and branches.
3. Water lightly. The moisture will remain in the terrarium, evaporating, then re-watering the plants. Too much water will rot the plants.
4. Put the top over the plants. Place near a window but not directly in the sunlight. Water when needed. If drops appear on the sides, it can be opened for a few hours to get rid of the extra moisture.***When possible, encourage students to think the 3 R’s…reduce, re-use, recycle.***Enjoy!

This project is one of Ten Easy Environmentally-Friendly Arts and Crafts Projects:

1. Coasters: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day
2. Pencil Holder: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day
3. Magazine Holder: for siblings, friends, parents
4. Shell Butterfly Magnet/Brooch/Barrette: for siblings, friends, parents… (symmetry)
5. Bird Feeders: for anyone
6. Twig Picture Frame: for anyone
7. Handprinted Card: for anyone
8. Tin Can Stilt Walkers: for anyone
9. Goldfish Bowl: for anyone
10. Pop Bottle Terrarium: for anyone

Tags: Art, Crafts, plants, project, Terrarium