Lesson: Ecology In a Box

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Lesson: Ecology In a Box

In this Design Challenge: Ecology In a Box we will be building a portable artificial ecosystem. This system is in place all throughout Mezzacello. WE will just be exploring what it takes to build one.

This system does not have to be overly complex. It requires FOUR main objectives: A source of NHCOPS, soil and minerals, a source of water, and some time. The rest will take care of itself.

Kids working together to build a larger box ecology.

Start With a Container

Obviously since this is called ecology in a box, we start with a box, container, or raised bed. Into this container we will be building soil and nutrients that life will need to thrive in this ecology. What we must determine is what type of ecosystem do we want to see?

Materials

  • A container or a raised bed

  • Water

  • Logs

  • Twigs

  • Leaves

  • Paper

  • Compost

  • Leftover vegetables

  • Worms

  • Bags of dirt

  • A cover of some sort

Instructions

  • Using what you know about garden beds and systems at Mezzacello, construct this ecology in a way that is similar.

  • Remember the lessons on pressure and water, dirt and soil.

  • Create a growing environment that is Ph neutral and will not drown the worms.

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