Build a Terrarium

History

• The child learned about the history of terrariums and their origins in ancient civilizations, such as the creation of miniature ecosystems in bottles and jars by the Egyptians and Greeks.
• They gained an understanding of the history of plant exploration and discovery, learning about explorers and botanists who traveled the world to find unique plant species to incorporate into terrariums.
• The activity may have sparked curiosity about the environmental movements from the past, such as the Victorian era's interest in indoor gardens and Nature Tables.
• By creating their own terrarium, the child has also engaged with the concept of sustainability and the importance of preserving natural environments, which has historical roots in movements such as the conservation efforts of the early 20th century.

Continued development related to the activity could involve exploring historical terrarium designs and traditions from different cultures, as well as researching the historical significance of specific plants used in terrariums. This could also lead to studying historical figures who contributed to the field of botany and ecology.

Book Recommendations

• The Tiny Garden by Hachette Children's Group and Emily Sutton: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a boy and his urban garden, which could inspire further terrarium creations and exploration of historical indoor gardens.
• Secrets of the Garden: Food Chains and the Food Web in Our Backyard by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld and Priscilla Lamont: This book teaches children the interconnectedness of plants and animals, providing valuable knowledge for understanding terrarium ecosystems and their historical and current significance.
• The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter: This biography of the renowned scientist Jane Goodall could inspire the child's interest in conservation and natural history, connecting to the importance of preserving plant and animal ecosystems similar to those found in terrariums.