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Ecosystem in a Jar

Activity

Watch Nature Unfold Up Close

Collect soil, leaves, small plants, and tiny critters like ants or worms from around campus (only if you can safely catch them). Layer these materials inside a clear jar or container. Start with soil, add plants and leaves, then add critters last. Add a little water and cover the jar loosely so air can get in. Place your jar in a spot with sunlight and watch what happens over days or weeks. Try making two jars, one in the sun, one in the shade, and observe how they change differently.

Science Seed

An ecosystem is a community where living things like plants and animals interact with non-living things like soil, water, and air. Soil holds water and nutrients that plants need to grow. Plants use sunlight to make food through a process called photosynthesis, which also produces oxygen we breathe. Tiny animals, like worms and ants, help break down dead plants and recycle nutrients back into the soil, making it healthy for new plants. Water moves through the ecosystem, helping plants and animals survive. When sunlight or water changes, it can affect how well plants grow or how active animals are. Your jar is a tiny model of a real ecosystem, showing how all parts depend on each other to keep living things healthy and balanced.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.