Building terrarium small worlds in recycled glass jars with other recycled materials

Art

• The child learned about the concept of creativity and self-expression through the creation of unique terrarium small worlds.
• They explored different colors, textures, and patterns by selecting and arranging various recycled materials.
• They practiced fine motor skills while cutting, gluing, and arranging the materials to create their terrariums.
• They learned about the importance of reusing and repurposing materials to create art.

English Language Arts

• The child engaged in imaginative storytelling by creating small worlds within their terrariums.
• They practiced descriptive language by discussing and naming the different elements and features of their terrariums.
• They developed vocabulary related to nature and the environment while learning about plants and ecosystems.
• They had the opportunity to write or dictate stories or descriptions about their terrariums, fostering early literacy skills.

History

• The child learned about the history of terrariums and how they were used in the past to study and observe plants and ecosystems.
• They explored the concept of conservation and the importance of preserving and protecting natural resources.
• They discussed the history of recycling and the role it plays in sustainability.
• They learned about the history of glass and its uses throughout time.

Math

• The child practiced counting and sorting recycled materials used in their terrariums.
• They explored spatial reasoning and measurement while arranging and fitting materials inside the glass jars.
• They learned about shapes and patterns through the selection and arrangement of different materials.
• They practiced basic addition and subtraction skills by adding or removing materials from their terrariums.

Science

• The child learned about the life cycle of plants and the importance of sunlight, water, and nutrients for their growth.
• They explored the concept of ecosystems and how different elements interact within them.
• They discussed the importance of recycling and how it helps protect the environment and conserve resources.
• They observed and discussed the effects of condensation and evaporation inside the closed terrariums.

Social Studies

• The child learned about the concept of sustainability and how reusing materials promotes a healthier environment.
• They discussed the importance of reducing waste and conserving resources for future generations.
• They explored different cultures and their traditional practices of reusing and repurposing materials.
• They learned about the impact of human activities on the environment and the need for responsible actions.

Continued development related to this activity can involve exploring different types of terrariums, such as desert or rainforest themes, and researching the specific plants and animals that would thrive in those environments. Additionally, the child can experiment with different materials and textures to create more elaborate and intricate small worlds within their terrariums. Encouraging them to observe and document any changes or growth in their terrariums over time can also foster a sense of curiosity and scientific inquiry.

Book Recommendations

• Recycled Crafts: Making Terrariums by Carol Sirrine: This book provides step-by-step instructions and ideas for creating various types of terrariums using recycled materials.
• The Great Trash Bash by Loreen Leedy: This story introduces young readers to the concept of recycling and shows how a community comes together to clean up a polluted park.
• The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling by Alison Inches: This book follows the journey of a plastic bottle as it goes through the recycling process and becomes a new product, teaching children about the importance of recycling.